How do -you- desgin an RP char?

I all my years of RPing, I don't think I have ever told anyone how I create a char or ask anyone how they do it.

I have created what seems to me to be a very complicated method, but it allows my char to basically have a life of their own. I don't decide what happens to them or how they react, I simply type. They interact with their environment and change accordingly. My method is detailed below.

I want my characters to really feel like they're alive and have their own personalities. I've got a way of doing this, which seems complicated to me, but it works for me. Do other people have elaborate procedures, or do you just dive in?


My RP Char creation process:

First, I create a name. This is a very important step. It has to be something I like and 90% of the time, it determines their gender. The remaining 10% of the time, I flip a coin.

Then, I decide on their profession. 90% of the time, the life they lead will set them on the path to the profession they will eventually choose. Sometimes, that is not the case; for example a rich kid who runs off to join the circus on a whim.

Next, I begin the character design phase. I sit down and compile a list of questions. Usually, I end up with 100-200 questions (I add additional questions that occur to me as I am answering the original questions). After I have the list, I start answering the questions. Some of the questions will be used to shape the char, some will be used for color and some may never be used at all, unless a specific event(s) occur(s).

Once I have the list of questions, I start what I call the Char Tree, which I design in Visio (a program for flowcharts and diagrams). I have a start point (birth) and an end point (the age at which I will begin to RP the char). Everything before and after the second point is blank. I being to create my tree, filling in -just- enough details to have a suitable framework and to cover the span between the two points enough to begin RPing the char.

I figuratively draw a tree and place my char's life on top of of it. Some branches fork many times, others may not fork at all. Some have a lot of leaves others barely have any. The leaves, if you will, on the tree are event points, places in a char's life where they could make one choice or another. As many choices as I can think of exist at each leaf. I call this a Schrodinger Box. All of the possible choices for that event exist inside the box. Only one will come out. The only way to determine what event will come out is for that event to come up during RP. I extend the tree out past the end point far enough to establish a decent framework for behavior/morality.

When I have all the paths and choices mapped in Visio, I alter all of the cells for events that have not occurred so that the text color matches the cell color, making it invisible. This way, I can see what has happened to a char easily. As I RP a char, it will reach points where a decision has to made. I roll a dN (where N is the number of choices available) and whatever number comes up is the choice I make. I then make that cell visible to discover what will/has happened.

For example, my current char ran away from home. Why she ran away from home is currently unknown. The top probable choices are a)She had a father who suddenly wanted to be more -loving- than was appropriate, b) she was literally swept away by a traveling circus, or c) she left home to avenge the death of her sister/best friend. It is possible that why she ran away from home will -never- com up and it is just as possible that if it does and entirely different reason will be the cause.

Needless to say, this entire procedure is very time consuming and I usually spread it out over a week or two so that I can have a solid framework.

Another factor that influences the char development is interaction with other chars. This will cause events to occur that never occurred to me. I add the questions to the list, answer them, update the diagram and make another roll. Rinse, lather, repeat as necessary.

An example flowchart

Thank you for sharing a very interesting way of creating a character to RP. I enjoy RPing a lot but the way how you give live to the character never come close to my mind. Perhaps the way how you RP a character can more towards to give live to each character and eventually leading to the point of creating lore, story telling. More like a novel. :P

I prefer to create a character which I would like to see in terms of appearance. The gender will usually be depending on the class. Most of the time I would choose something imba such as a female character being the warrior class and using greatsword or some really imba weapon. For their names, I prefer giving them meaningful name such as making use of words of meaning in other language then translate or slightly alter it. As for the character choices, for my first or main character, I prefer to go with what I personally think it is suitable for the situation. In other words, how I personally react to the choices.

I usually try to pick the underdog. If somebody says a certain race sucks or certain profession sucks then I will try and find the good in it. A lot of people were hating on the Sylvari maps because they were confusing, so I tried it out, and now Sylvari's are my favourite :D

I finally got around to adding an example flowchart, see OP.

OK, I'm intimidated. I was planning on RPing by saying what I would normally say but throw in a few "doth's" and maybe a "thou" or two for good measure. If ye get my drift.

Surely thou dost jest as none but a jackanape would have the temerity to confabulate in such an archaic manner!

Seriously, though, as long as you don't say 'Dooodz! What it happenen" :p" you will be fine. Just talk normally, don't use emoticons or expressions like 'flying under the radar' and people will get along with you just fine.

This is a game and the idea is to have fun. Everyone has to start somewhere and most people are patient with novices, once they realize you are a novice. Here is a good write-up on etiquette. The colors are hideous and the only thing I think it leaves out is that you don't see the char's name tag floating above their head. Play RP like you would real life. In real life, you don't know someone's name until someone tells you want it is.

As for character development, as a novice, just pick a character and act like you would act in you were alive in that world. I tell everyone that if I walked up to them and asked them 5 personal questions about their past experinces, their views and their personal preferences, they would always be able to answer the question with little to no thought. Any char your RP should be able to do the same.

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While i have yet to really RP, I actually created back stories for my characters. I really don't follow lore so much, but try to work with it on some toons.

my main Bombiz: charr engi: He was always a curious cat who's imagination knew no bounds. That is why be chose to become and engineer and join Iron Legion. After serving faithfully in the Iron legion, he began to feel he was meant for something more. He decided to leave his warband, but telling his Legionaire that he was taking a secret mission to gather information from an informant that would only speak to him.

Joanna Crane Norn Mesmer: (non lore driven_ She is the daughter of the infamous Dr. Johnathan Crane. She never knew of her father until later in life after over hearing her mother speak how Joanna can never find out her father is the scarecrow. She snuck out one night in search of him, just so she can get to know him and possibly make him change. It was a child hope in a teenage body, but she was convinced. Upon finally seeing him in a rather unfortunate way, She finally saw here father. She attempted to remove the gas off of him and wound up overdosing herself. Now she live within her mind in a land called tyria.

Bane Thunderpaw: Charr Guardian: He has a really long story, but the short version is he was never truly loved by his father as his father was the fiercest warrior of blood legion. bane grew up tending his fathers wound as trying his best to aid him. his father as so against emotion that he would constantly tell Bane that he can't wait till he begins his training so he would stop mothering him. Charr are not known to be emotional, but Bane stood different. He vowed to make his father proud and be everything he wanted him to be. He was accepted into the blood legion training and chose the guardian path. Guardians are not well accepted as they are more defensive than offensive so during his training, he was the only guardian and was the constant butt of all jokes. After the graduation ceremony, he went to the stands to see his father as it was mandatory attendance. His father said to him "I have no son" and walked away. Bane Ranaway from his warband and decided to be a cook on a sailing ship. There is where he felt most welcomed.

Bombiz and Bane are much longer stories, but idk if there is a cap on the characters here otherwise i would post Bane's story. Bombiz's story was first, and also my first writing of a story so the format is terrible.

Very good! And if there is a char limit for posts, I haven't hit it and some of the stories I post are rather long.

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well then i shall grace you with my unfinished story of Bane Thunderpaw. NO GRAMMER NAZI's please. this is just something i did for fun.

The Unwanted Son


"Father your hurt again!"
"Never mind you. This is just a scratch. You need to learn what a real wound looks like. See this scar here. That was a wound and I lived, so don't come crying to me everytime I have a little blood on my fur. I'm glad you start your war band training tomorrow."
"But father. . ."
"NO BUTS'! Now get out of my sight. You sicken me with your emotional non-sense. You will finally learn what it takes to be a Charr."

Taken back by his father's words he turned and ran to his room. Bane was only 5 years old and tomorrow he will never see his father again. He is being sent to war band school and beginning his training. Every since he could remember his father had always been harsh with him. He knew he wasn't wanted. His father told him so, but everyday Bane tried to make himself wanted by his father. Tending to his injuries, cleaning house, basically foregoing anything that other charr children would do in an effort to please his father. He had no mother as she died during birth. Sometimes he thinks that’s why his father hates him so. There are moments when his father shows him some affection. It's just more in the form of training and correcting things. His father is a warrior of the blood legion, so when he Bane would swing incorrectly or his stance was wrong, his father would correct him. Usually with the blunt side of a plank of wood.

His father was a large Charr, muscular with dark grey fur and no mane hair. He said it can only get in his way. Bane however took after his mother in almost every way except his size. Bane was quite large for his age. So much so that he was sort of clumsy as he constantly kept knocking things over due to still not being able to judge his size properly. Probably another reason his father was always annoyed with him.

The next morning, the War band members came to take Bane to what would soon be his father, his mother and his family. His life has now just begun. Bane opened the door to seeing a Charr fully dressed in heavy plate. He had a mace the size of Bane's head on his hip and a shield in hand.

"Look at that. They even sent a guardian for a wreck like you."

Guardians among the charr are not well received as they are defensive versus offensive, but all charr know there worth in battle. The Guardian twitch at his father's remark, but said nothing for he knew his father well. Turuk Ironhammer was one of the fiercest warriors among the charr. Pig-headed and arrogant he always rushed to battle. He is legionnaire hated his disregard for authority, but wouldn't stand in battle without him. His brash tactics always worked out in the end.

"Goodbye father. I'll make you proud." he said with confidence in his voice.
"Good riddance. Now I might have a son who can actually be called Charr." turning around. He walked to his room.
"Do not worry about him Bane. We are your family now. You need not worry if he is proud. It is your war band that you need to worry about." said the guardian.

Bane looked back at his father’s door one last time. "I will. I swear by it" he said silently

Graduation

Years had passed since he left his home. He never did forget his oath to his father. Though it was a silent oath, always bore the weight of it on his mind. Most Charr by now had forgotten their families, but not Bane. He still is holding out for that final approval.

"Bane! Bane! We got them!" Bane's bunkmate said as he burst into the room. He was average size with long horns and reddish fur. Tiger striped, but more stripes than normal.

"Alright! I hope I got into blood legion. That’s where my father was." he's said excitedly. Almost to the point he couldn't breathe."You were going for Iron legion right?"

"You bet your tail I was. I need to show off my engineering skills. I can make the Charr the most powerful force on Tyria with time in the labs there." he said without a doubt.

"Most powerful huh? You were always a dreamer Bombiz. Never satisfied with the simple things." Bane said mockingly

Rushing to grab his letter, Bane began sweating. His paws fumbled as he opened the envelope. He began to open the letter. .

"I'm in!" Bombiz said with great enthusiasm "I'm in the war band Battleborn. Finally I can show the Charr what brain power can accomplish."

"Congrats Bombiz. May you serve well" Bane said with a salute.

"Read yours now."

Bane looked at the letter and began to read aloud. "Bane, after much deliberation and thought, your application to the blood legion was reviewed by many. It is with honor that we accept you into our legion. You are to report to the Thunderpaw war band upon graduation." Bane didn't need to read the rest as he was overcome with happiness.

"Now begins the real soldier training." Bombiz said

"That is does. It was nice having a roommate who actually cleaned himself. Though you still smelled like doylak droppings" Bane smirked

Blood Legion

"WAKE UP RECRUITS! THIS IS YOUR FIRST DAY OF DEATH! YOU HAVE 1 MINUTE TO REPORT TO THE WAR FIELD AND YOU JUST WASTED 30 SECONDS OF IT! GO, GO GO!!!" boomed the legion drill instructor.

After Bane gathered his wits, he got dressed in the provided training uniform. It was very stiff from the extra starch they put into it as they like it crisp and clean. It was thick red vest and some thick black cotton pants. Both items had the blood legion logo sewn on to them. it was no more than the size of a copper, but it was enough to let the others know who you belonged to. Making his way to the field, Bane ran though the "Hall of Heroes' Past". This hallway was dedicated to the Charr who have shown excellent skill, courage and valor. Having been awe struck by the many faces, he slowed down in hopes to find his father’s picture. Scanning each picture as he passed by, he stopped to look at one. It pictured a heavily armored Charr facing off with a dragon 20ft tall with a fallen ally at his feet. This Charr was mending the wounds of his ally with a shield protecting them from the dragon’s fiery breath. Bane instantly flashed back to the days of mending his father’s wounds.

"That's who I’m going to be." Bane said with hopeful eyes. He began to read the plague below it. "Mathus Firestrike - Guardian - Once held a dragon at bay while mending 30 Charr soldiers back to strength - 1st Charr guardian to make the Hall of Heroes"

"Bane get a move on! You’re going to be late!" another recruit said to him as she passed by.

Snapping back to reality he made it to the field. The field was more like a small stadium or a battle arena with stone seating all around the field. The arena was made of what looked like well manicured recently. On the far side of the field was what appeared to be a gauntlet. Tall wooden walls and mud pits, ropes and heavy sand bags throughout it.

"FALL IN RECRUITS! Look at this arena. This will be your home for the next year. You will learn you professions here. You will live, eat sleep you profession. This arena has trained many great soldiers and you are the next set of disgusting little piglets this arena has to shape and mold into fierce and resilient cogs in our machine of war. It's my job to weed out the pathetic, the weak, and the lame so they don’t disgrace this sanctuary of soldiers. I am Griz, Arena master for the blood legion. Now we begin your training. NOW RUN YOU SMELLY SACK OF HUMAN SHITS! MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!"

Bane and the rest of the war band began running around the dirt arena in a clockwise wise direction. This continued for hours. While some slowed down, noone stopped running. Occasionally Griz would turn a hose on us and get us soaked to the bones. While it was welcomed in the moment, it would then later turn into a torture as our clothes would weigh us down and get mud caked on them. On top of that the field became muddy making it harder to run. Once Griz was tired of sitting in the sun, he let us go in to shower off and eat.

"Now that you little bunnies are all nice and clean, It's time to pick your training fields. Five professions you can choose from. Warrior, Guardian, Ranger, Thief and Mesmer. If you wanted to be anything else in your life, then you joined the wrong legion. Mesmers and Guardians are are tolerated here only because they are great on the frontlines. They also fit in with the Flame legion as they are "magical" wimps, but can be a great assets on the frontlines." Griz said pacing the classroom. "Fill out this form and turn it in within the hour." Griz laid a stack of papers on the desk and left the room.

Many mumbled conversations were carried on in his absence. Bane already knew his choice. He rushed up there to make his pick and was ready to turn it in. Then he realized Griz never stated where to turn it into. A half hour had passed and everyone seemed to have finished. Some were eager to brand the title of warrior other were ready to be rangers. A few chose thief and Bane was the only guardian. For some reason Bane had already expected this. He was never one to follow the crowds and his friends were never more than one. He didn't mind as his only thought was to make his father proud. Bane finally stood up and decided to leave the room and head to the fields again in hopes to find Griz. He had only 10 min left to turn in his form and didnt want to be late. Walking down the Hall of Heroes' once more glancing at Mathus and reassuring his choice, He stepped onto the arena floor only to see Griz awaiting him and the others of the war band to come.

"ABOUT TIME YOU FIGURED OUT MY PUZZLE. WHERE ARE THE REST OF YOU?" Griz asked with anger in his voice. "They are in the room, Sir." Bane answered nervously. "OH HO! WE HAVE A DESERTER HERE NOW?!? LEAVE YOUR WARBAND BEHIND TO YOU CAN SAVE YOUR OWN HIDE?" Griz scowled something fierce as he looked upon Bane with utter disgust. "BRING YOUR FORM HERE!"

"But I. . "
"BUT NOTHING! NOW!"

Bane ran as fast as he can to deliver the form thinking to himself that he was already off to a bad start. "Should have never left the room. Should have told the war band." he thought to himself.

"Guardian huh? How can you be a good guardian if you’re only saving your own hide? Go get the others and bring them here. It’s time for a new lesson. MOVE!"

Bane raced to the room and gathered his war band back onto the arena floor. Listening to the other beat themselves up as they didn't figure out the puzzle themselves.

"Bane here is the smartest among all of you. He figured out my puzzle before any of you and followed orders precisely." Griz told the crowd as he pulled Bane in front. "This is 1 part of the exercise. Now here is the other. While BANE here did what he was told to do, he left you all behind. He left his war band for his own glory. And since he wants to go solo into glory, he can clean the field alone tonight while you all rest up for tomorrows training. Now I want all professions to separate into groups so we can begin your field training."

Daylight faded and training had completed hours ago. Bane remained on the field raking the dirt to an even surface with Griz over watching. Griz lived atop the arena so he didn’t have to leave. Finally at 2200 Bane was released to shower and sleep. This was to be expected for the remaining week. Punishment for abandoning your war band was death in the field. Bane was happy to rake an arena. It also gave him a chance to look at his idol every night before sleep.

"I will be the next guardian on that wall" he told himself.

War Ready

The time has come for the release into the armaments. Bane had proven himself a worthy contender and is ready to fight alongside his war band. The war band however felt he was an un-needed member. They felt they didn't need a protector type. "We are Blood Legion. We are the Thunderpaw. Just our claws are all that's need to "protect" us. Bane you’re a wasted member of this war band."

This was the daily chant of the other band members. All except one, Kiarin, She was the mesmer of the warband. She was still more liked than Bane simply because a mesmer is offensive in nature. Kiarin was never mean to Bane, but she played along with the rest. She didn’t want to give them anymore reason to give her flack. Bane just took it as a personal challenge. He knew his only goal in life was to walk out today and see his father be proud of him. To actually hear the words come from his father’s mouth would make all of his time here worth it.

Bane formed up with the rest of the war band in the Hall of Heroes awaiting for the announcement of the newest war band to enter the ranks. The arena was filled with soldiers of all the war bands. It was a big day for all the Charr. It's an annual holiday and everyone is required to come. (Not that they needed to be forced) The other war bands always welcome their new brothers-in-arms as they knew someday they might be fighting alongside them.

Listening to the Imperator calling out names of the other legions newest war bands, Bane stood there staring at his idol, dreaming of getting the chance to prove his worth to his war band.

"And now from the Blood Legion, I present the Thunderpaw war band!"

The crowds were cheering and roaring at the tops of their lungs. Banes heart began to race. With his shield and mace in hand he marched out with the rest of them. The arena was festively decorated with banners of each war band present. Bane kept his reserve and cool.

"You know they are cheering us and not some guardian" said Markire as he jabbed Bane in the shoulder

Markire was a warrior who was known to have an adept ability for the great sword. He was also Bane "bully". Everyday Markire constantly teased, poked and challenged Bane. More often than not Markire won the challenges. Griz allowed it as he felt it was "real combat training" and to show that guardian are nothing more than bullet barriers. Bane paid no heed as he was searching for his father in the crowd. He saw Bombiz standing in the Iron Legion's war band. They gave each other a quick nod and smirk. After a minute he finally spotted his father’s war bands banner and began looking. Fortunately enough it was just behind the Imperator so he could freely look. The crowds finally quieted down to hear the imperator speak as he walked to the podium.

"Today marks yet another great day in the Charr nation! today we welcome these new soldiers into our ranks to aid in the war machine that this Charr. Some of you will move on to do great many things for the Charr, while others may die in the name of the Charr. Death in the name of the Charr is a great deed in itself. It shows our enemies that we are ever vigilant in our cause and will fight for it till our last breath. You are our nation’s future. You are our nation’s freedom. YOU ARE CHARR!"

Raising his paw into a fist the Charr burst into frenzy of shouts and roars. They were going wild. Bane had finally spotted his father among the masses. All he had to do was wait for the ceremony to finish and be released for the remainder of the day to join in the celebration. The chanting and cheers had quieted again and the Imperator spoke once more.

"Now with the final indoctrination of these new soldiers, I give liberty to celebrate today!" the imperator said as he raised his sword into the air.

Finally Bane thought and he began to make his way towards his father. Pushing his way through the crowds of Charr coming down to greet their new comrades, Bane didn’t have to worry much about this as very few guardians exist in the Charr nation. The other avoided them like they were plagued. Keeping his father in sight he finally made his way to him.

"Hello father. I'm finally the soldier you wanted me to be." Bane said. These words were carefully chosen of the last week as he had been planning out what his father would do. In every scenario he dreamed of it always ended as with him saying "Good job son." in some fantasies that’s all that was said, but Bane was always happy to hear it.

"You chose to be a guardian?" His father said with disappointment in his voice."You chose to be a wet nurse to the actual soldiers around you? I cannot call you my son. You’re just a pansy who hides behind a shield and barrier I won't let you bring the name of turuk Ironhammer down" His father stood up and walked away without even a glimpse back

Bane stood there for a moment with complete shock at what had just happened. His heart was broken into a thousand shards. He was so disoriented that he couldn't conjure any emotion until it finally hit him. Instead of chasing his father down and beg for his acceptance, Bane finally let his father go.

"I cannot please him ever. No matter how i try, he will always reject me. Now I will forge my own destiny. I will now forge my life like Mathus Firestrike." Bane turned around and stormed back to the barracks. Halfway back Kiarin stopped him.

"What troubles you Bane?"
"Nothing now." Bane replied with a sharp retort.
"If nothing troubles you then why do you look to kill?"
"Personal matters, besides you won’t have to worry about me anymore."
"What are you going to do?' Kiarin said concerned
"I am leaving the War band. I’m going to forge my destiny away from the restriction of this place."
"They will kill you when they find out you're gone!
"They will have to find me first. Please do not tell anyone that I am leaving or that you saw me. Just let me disappear"

Kiarin stared at him for a moment and finally agreed. "Thank you." Bane said as he walked past here. Bane stopped just past her and said without looking at her. "Thank you for also being kinder to me." She did not reply and just carried on back to the arena. Bane quickly ran to his room and gathered his things. He would sneak out during the celebration when everyone is focused elsewhere.

Bane made it outside the citadel walls. He looked out to the distance and decided to head north. He will live off the land and do work for farmers out there. Perhaps become a fisher and sell his good in Lion's Arch...


A Ghostly Greeting

“Five years you have been aboard this ship Bane and I must say, you are the best chef this chip has ever had!” said Captain Walt.

“Thanks captain. I do what I do best.” Bane replied slightly embarrassed

“I’m seriously lad. You have a gift for food and sailing the high seas. Do you remember when those Krait tried to board our ship and you alone held off the slimy snakes with a pot lid and stirring stick?” that my friend proved your worth is more than any gold to this ship. It’s a sad day to see you leaving us lad”

“I grew up taking care of my father, so cooking was something I had to do if I wanted to eat.” Bane snickered. “And the defending the ship was just my duty. Having the training I did help a great deal.”

“Now Bane, you are a good lad and I never try to pry into other persons business, but what made you leave your war band? Everyone in Tyria knows that a Charrs war band is his family, why did you leave yours?” captain said raising his eyebrow.

“To be honest captain, I didn’t belong. I trained to be a guardian in the blood legion and in the blood legion, guardians are considered to be quagons if you will.”

“Ahh I see boy. You’re the jellyfish of the group. No spine.”

“Yeah, something like that”

“Well your abilities to heal and defend were outstanding and you will always have a home here on The Aura”

Bane nodded his head and headed to his rack to pack his things. They are heading to Lions’ Arch and should arrive in the morning. Captian Walt was a stout man with a thick black beard and leathery skin. His eyes were blue, but hard to tell because he always squinted. Captain Walt became a father to Bane after having served for him for so long. They shared drinks on many occasions, but Walt always reminded Bane in one form or another that he was still a worker on his ship. Bane in the later years had become the first mate to the captain, but still chose to do the ships cooking, mostly because no one else could cook or wanted to learn how. Finally in the last port call we picked up a young human named Ben to learn how to cook from Bane.

Bane laid there in his rack, swaying with the ocean’s waves, thinking about his new venture of becoming a fish monger in the markets of lions arch. He figured this would be the easiest way to make a living off the ship and had become very familiar with most of the fish in the ocean. He thought about settling down in a home and growing a garden full of omnomnom berries, ghost peppers and lettuce. Bane eventually drifted to sleep, but for the first time in awhile, he actually smiled in his sleep.

“All hand on deck! Prepare the lines, lower the main sails!”

The sound of men scuffling around above deck awoke Bane out of his slumber. Men we climbing the masts and pulling the shore lines on deck. Bane rushed out of his rack to aid in the mooring.

“Bane! What the hell do you think you are doing?” Walt yelled over the men.
“Assuming my mooring station captain” Bane replied
“Oh I see. Do you normally do that in a dress?”

Bane gave the captain a funny look and then looked down. There he was standing on deck with a full pink and flowery sundress. The men all started pointing and laughing. Bane just stood there for a second, then replied “Only on a hot day captain.” Walt began to laugh with the other men. “Damn I gonna miss you lad! Carry on!”

Finally moored at lions arch, Most of the men said goodbye to Bane before taking some shore leave. Bane grabbed all his gear and went to say goodbye to the captain. Knocking on Walts’ quarters door, he was immediately told to come in.

“Captain, I just wanted to say again that it was a pleasure to serve you.”

“Bane you big quagon, stop fussing like you will never see me again.”