Consolidating Character's RP

[lussien]

Hi! This is my very first post to the forums as I'm quite the shy person and I tend to look and watch before I bring myself to the front. So to the topic, I've recently started playing Armageddon for a total of (almost) two days. Slow paced with extremely high chances for role playing opportunities and there's no sigh of power gaming anywhere which makes me a very happy mudder.

At first, I was thinking of playing the goody goody. Where she's nice to everyone and hopes she'll get by, but due to recent role playing with a certain PC, I had to act quick and turn from a goody two shoes into a active-passive sociopath. You know, the Doctor Jackal and Hyde story? Yep, kinda like that.

So I was thinking of making her personality almost like a sociopath. She can be charming, wonderful but when it comes to a time where blood has been shed, she turns into a sadistic monster using torture techniques before killing them. Grusome, I know but it's extremely fun.

Plans:

1. Selective : she only will never hurt mounts that serve her or children (elves might not fall into this category)
2. Her 'Hyde' instincts are revealed when given an order to kill and will not admit nor feel guilty, even if the victim was innocent.
3. Rest of the time, she's polite, charming and kind when she's not being all 'Hyde' like.

Mmhm, so I hope that you forumers can give me suggestions on how I can better play my character.

Thanks!  

p.s Sorry! I'll remember from now on.

[Adiadochokinesis]

Can't make posts that refer to your character or ingame events on the forum. You should edit/delete this so that your character cannot be identified.

[Adiadochokinesis]

This kind of two-faced behavior is perfectly natural to Zalanthans. You'll probably end up finding that most inhabitants of this world are horrible, awful monsters and often do not hesitate about murdering or torturing people.

Cruelty is the norm.

[FuSoYa]

No suggestions at this time but I'm glad you are here and hope you continue to get embroiled in all that Arm has to offer.  Feel free to add some Helpers to whatever messenger you might use and let us know if you have any questions.

Welcome!

Brandon

[Lizzie]

It's exciting to find a mud that gets you immersed from the get-go, and you end up eager to rush into some serious stuff. Might I suggest - at least for now, that you step back a bit, and let your character experience whatever she experiences, instead of you, the player, driving those experiences?

In other words, let things happen organically. Don't decide in advance how your character's personality is shaped, or what she'll always feel about mounts, or how she will flip-flop dependent on specific triggers. Let your character tell -you- how she is, rather than you telling her.

Let the plotlines that occur, drive your character's feelings and thoughts, instead of you driving them. You can be more of an observer, more of an audience member, watching things unfold. After a time, you can predict what your character will do. But because you're new to the game, it's going to be frustrating, when you make these predictions, and nothing turns out how you expected.

She might do "this" regarding mounts, and then all of a sudden you're in with a group of people who think your character is insane for doing that. And wanting to continue hanging out with that group of people, you have to adjust things a bit. And there goes your whole MO.

So in summary, I say, just relax, let things happen naturally through the course of roleplay, learn how the world is, so that you aren't feeling like you're just plunking your character in the middle of things and hoping the world can fit your concept. If it turns out that your character really does do "that thing" with mounts every time, then it will -be- a part of her personality, without you dictating that it must be part of her personality.

Once you get the hang of the world, the roleplay, the atmosphere, and the rhythm of "how things are" you'll be in a better position to add intentional, pre-made quirks and traits.

[Marauder Moe]

This is what Zalanthas naturally does to "nice" characters.  No one's hands can stay clean forever.

Honestly, though, I wouldn't force the "sociopath" label on to your character.  If she needs to murder and maim to survive, that's fine.  The problem with being a sociopath is that:
1) You miss out on all the moral/emotional aftermath of what your character has done.  I think a character who can stab an eyeball out one moment and smile the next without consequence is probably not a particularly deep character.
2) Too many new players (and plenty of veterans too) use the "sociopath" label as an excuse to murder PCs for a cheap thrill.  Even if you don't intend to do that, other players and staff could still potentially get that perception of you.
3) While Zalanthas is a cruel and corrupt world, there is still justice and the need for real trust.  Murdering sociopaths tend not to live long unless backed up by some real power.

[lussien]

I see now. I think my character might be able to handle what's next to come, thanks to the responses.

Much thanks! If there is anything else that could be added to value add her experience, please continue to reply!

[MarshallDFX]

I don't think this kind of behavior is overly uncommon in Zalanthas.  Many of the soldier types would be prepared to commit brutal acts of violence at the drop of the hat.  They don't necessarily have to enjoy doing it though.

[Pale Horse]

A "goody-goody" character, I've learned, is all about point of view.  You can be part of the Militia and be one of the nicest people around, but when someone breaks the law, super-bitch comes out and rips them a new one.  You're character is still a "Nice Guy/Gal" but to that one law-breaker, they're the embodiment of all that is Zalathan and brutal.

Your d-self character could be well known throughout his tribe as a push over..but to anyone else, he's a bloodthirsty monster that enjoys wearing the heads of his slain enemies on his genitals (it's a great conversation piece).

Your shadow mage could be the very image of RL, old-values house wife material, but enjoys spending her nights wandering the 'rinth and sending nightmares and tentacles of madness into the dreams (day or otherwise) of the inhabitants.

Your human tribal trader could be the best of philanthropists, but when it comes to dwarfs, they consider them nothing but the potential, stupid slaves that old legends claim they all used to be.

"Nice" is a relative term, on Zalanthas.  The thought that "it's them against us" or "me against them/everyone" is all encompassing.

[brytta.leofa]

People will do a lot of things if (a) an authority figure tells them to or (b) they think their own death is the alternative.

If worse comes to worst and you're under orders to harm someone, you could always be angry at your victim for putting you in such a position.

[Rairen]

I have a soft spot for sociopaths, and I think having those kinds of regular triggers to guide your roleplay and help it become natural are a great idea.  As Bryt and Lizzie implied, the hope is that over time, you'll no longer have to rely on them and be able to respond to situtations instinctively as them, and not have to think about the rules (rather like learning a new language and making the transitition from educated to fluent.)

If you enjoy making lists like this (which I totally do), I'd encourage you to come up with even more situations to further detail out your character.  Even crazy, bizarre ones.

-  What kind of a mood is your character in if it's a sandstormy day?
-  If two elves walk by on the street, what does that do to her then?   What about if it's three?  Six?  A hundred?
-  How does this influence relationships with her employers/employees?  What if the employer is awesome?  What if he/she is a jerk?

The thing I'd encourage you to watch out for is impatience.  I've seen newer (and not so new) players feel like they need to make these sort of peronality quirks all-encompassing - in your case, the transition from nice to naughty would be in your face, during every scene, to prove that you're doing it and roleplaying.  A bit like overcompensating.  It's alright to make these changes subtle or have it only pop out at certain, irregular moments.   By all means, go for it hardcore and have a blast if that's the personality you'd like to explore, but many of the characters I've loved interacting with the most have had depth and secrets like this.  A bit of a puzzle to work through.  It makes the surprise all the more fun if you interact regularly with the character.  

It's so much fun to see your approach to your character.  Thank you for sharing and good luck!

[Cerelum]

Hi! This is my very first post to the forums as I'm quite the shy person and I tend to look and watch before I bring myself to the front. So to the topic, I've recently started playing Armageddon for a total of (almost) two days. Slow paced with extremely high chances for role playing opportunities and there's no sigh of power gaming anywhere which makes me a very happy mudder.

At first, I was thinking of playing the goody goody. Where she's nice to everyone and hopes she'll get by, but due to recent role playing with a certain PC, I had to act quick and turn from a goody two shoes into a active-passive sociopath. You know, the Doctor Jackal and Hyde story? Yep, kinda like that.

So I was thinking of making her personality almost like a sociopath. She can be charming, wonderful but when it comes to a time where blood has been shed, she turns into a sadistic monster using torture techniques before killing them. Grusome, I know but it's extremely fun.

Plans:

1. Selective : she only will never hurt mounts that serve her or children (elves might not fall into this category)
2. Her 'Hyde' instincts are revealed when given an order to kill and will not admit nor feel guilty, even if the victim was innocent.
3. Rest of the time, she's polite, charming and kind when she's not being all 'Hyde' like.

Mmhm, so I hope that you forumers can give me suggestions on how I can better play my character.

Thanks!  

p.s Sorry! I'll remember from now on.

That's a rule placed by the admin for not giving away your character and it's really for your best interest, but asides from that innocent mistake, I like this idea of your character and hope to run into her in my travels.

[mansa]

Readily and often use the Think, Feel, and Bio commands.  Though they don't display to characters around you, it really helps you stay within the character, and reminds you of what you want to try and be like.

http://www.armageddon.org/cgi-bin/help_index/show_help?bio
http://www.armageddon.org/cgi-bin/help_index/show_help?think
http://www.armageddon.org/cgi-bin/help_index/show_help?feel

[hyzhenhok]

Readily and often use the Think, Feel, and Bio commands.  Though they don't display to characters around you, it really helps you stay within the character, and reminds you of what you want to try and be like.

http://www.armageddon.org/cgi-bin/help_index/show_help?bio
http://www.armageddon.org/cgi-bin/help_index/show_help?think
http://www.armageddon.org/cgi-bin/help_index/show_help?feel

This. I really encourage the use of the bio command especially. When you're sitting around resting, or tavern sitting, or otherwise not busy in the MUD, type >bio and write something up about what your character has been doing lately. It could be something completely mundane, a record of your character doing something he/she does every day. I've gotten in the habit of writing a ton of bio entries, especially in the beginning stages of a character's lives, and it leads to me being much more into my character and much more attached. (And much more depressed when they die to stupid Arm mistake #6749 )

[Xagon]

Yes, definitely write bios. Months down the road, you -will- want to remember just what your first character did, and how you went about things. Also, staff enjoy reading them. I've noticed that those who write bios generally get more staff interaction with the things they need, especially if they've been planning this event since day 1.

Beyond all that, do what mansa says too. Think. Feel. Bio. Those are the three commands you should learn to love.

[lussien]

Ah, so like I can reveal what my character has done in my bio graphy? Will it be read by other PCs? Or just the staffs?

[Pale Horse]

Character bio's can only be read by you, the player, and staff members.

..And mindbenders...probably...I think...

..Or don't think..safer that way...

[mansa]

Ah, so like I can reveal what my character has done in my bio graphy? Will it be read by other PCs? Or just the staffs?

It can only be read by Staff, and yourself.

You can view your previous character's bio entries here:
http://www.armageddon.org/myaccount/index.php

[HTX]

Hello.

Welcome to Armageddon. When I first came here I was the quiet and shy "observer" myself, not helped by the fact that the game can be quite intimidating due to a steep learning curve, which is only curbed if you're a die-hard veteran of role-playing intensive games (the concept was completely new to me at the time however). Nothing wrong with that. The intimidating nature is off-set, however, by the intelligent and mature community we got here; you won't be ridiculed here as a newbie (generally) in my experience.

I think a character who can stab an eyeball out one moment and smile the next without consequence is probably not a particularly deep character.

^

If that is all there is to your character, then I agree, your character might be a bit "shallow". However, a well-played, fleshed out sociopathic character can be extremely deep, too. There's more to sociopathy than a lack of empathy.

Your best bet is to do some research on sociopathy to portray sociopathy realistically, but this link should start you off:

http://www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html

Also, as mentioned above it isn't a bad idea if your first character(s) are more for learning. Don't feel too pressured to make insanely deep, layered and realistic characters which might die in a few days due to lack of experience.

[lussien]

Thank you everyone, so much for the constructive character suggestions!

Roleplaying for me now have gotten much easier. I've read up on how to involve yourself in plots and all of that, but I hope this is allowed on the boards but, what do you do when there's no one else that you know that plays during your time?

[FuSoYa]

Thank you everyone, so much for the constructive character suggestions!

Roleplaying for me now have gotten much easier. I've read up on how to involve yourself in plots and all of that, but I hope this is allowed on the boards but, what do you do when there's no one else that you know that plays during your time?

That's a tough one...

You really just have to tough it out and wait to meet someone.  It can be VERY frustrating at times but I'd recommend going and planting your PCs butt in a local hot-spot (one of the main taverns in whichever city you are located in) and striking up some sort of conversation or conflict with whoever wanders in.  It might be boring but over time you should develop contacts who play at the same time as you and you can harass them to your delight.

Brandon

[Lizzie]

Lots of things you could do.
1. Find new people you can meet - whether potential friends, enemies, or general "contacts"
2. Explore the area you're in. Take time to read the room descriptions, and memorize landmarks and routes so if you have to roam around at night when it's "gritty sand" and light sources don't help much, you can.
3. Work on skills, such as contact, barrier, cooking, things that your character would have a rudimentary understanding of, but things you can't really spend a lot of time with, when you're in the company of a lot of screen scroll.
4. Using whatever crafting skills you have, and foraging in areas close to safety is always something to fall back on, when you have solo time.
5. During all of the above, it's a perfect time to work on developing your character's personality with thinks, emotes, feels, and practice using emotes in different ways so that you can feel comfortable with the different symbols the game provides.

[lussien]

Sounds like good suggestions. I'll try practicing my contact and barrier skills while I wait for a hero to arrive while reading up on rudimentary skills. Once again, thanks! If there's other interesting stuff that you might think that it would help me meet new people, please feel free to reply!

Thanks! 

[Gimfalisette]

You didn't mention whether your PC is clanned...the very best way to meet and get involved with other PCs is to join a clan. Unclanned life can be extremely lonely. Ideally, you'll choose to join a clan that has PCs already playing during your playtimes, otherwise you may find yourself in a continuing "no one around to play with" situation.

[FuSoYa]

You didn't mention whether your PC is clanned...the very best way to meet and get involved with other PCs is to join a clan. Unclanned life can be extremely lonely. Ideally, you'll choose to join a clan that has PCs already playing during your playtimes, otherwise you may find yourself in a continuing "no one around to play with" situation.

I am also a HUGE fan of joining a clan.  Just by being active in a clan you will get involved in the clan's on-going plots and called on for other whackadoo shit.

Brandon

[a strange shadow]

On the flip side, you will have a lot of rules and regulations to abide by, and consequences for not doing so.

You're also less free to move about the world and explore - it's a trade-off for a safer life.

Clanned life isn't for everyone, but it can be great for those who like some structure and solidarity.

[Gimfalisette]

Clanned life is certainly a tradeoff and there are things I tend to dislike about it. But especially for new players, clans are invaluable to getting into the game. They are also a great way to really learn the culture of the game; if you want to really understand Allanak, join the Byn or AoD or Oash or Tor...each will give you a slightly different perspective. Or in Tuluk, join the Legions or one of the noble houses to really learn the culture.

Of course, shadow has a high discovery / low teamwork score, and I have low discovery / high teamwork Thus our basic perspectives on what is valuable and important to us differ significantly.

[AmandaGreathouse]

Or in Tuluk, join the Legions or one of the noble houses to really learn the culture.

Of course, shadow has a high discovery / low teamwork score, and I have low discovery / high teamwork Thus our basic perspectives on what is valuable and important to us differ significantly.

Did it. With shadow, actually. Still one of my favorite roles to date, and it really helped. I can still remember having to be OOCed about the syntax to sweep sawdust out of a certain room. If you like exploring, I would recommend a GMH hunter before the Byn, though, just because you have more ability to go outside and see the wilds.

[Gimfalisette]

See, the problem the OP described was "I can't find anyone to play with." Joining a GMH, in my experience, is much less good as a vehicle for finding others to play with, unless the GMH has one or more leaders who are talented at rounding their people up for impromptu and scheduled clan events. In the Byn, you basically have no choice (assuming you're following the rules) but to be where you're supposed to be, at the time you're supposed to be there...just like everyone else. The Byn is probably the best clan in the whole game for getting consistent interaction. (Although, yes, it too can be spotty at times. C'est la guerre.)

But yes, it's also one of the most restrictive clans in the game. It's not necessarily great for explorer/discovery types all the time, but the problem the OP seems to currently have is not about discovery...it's about interaction.

[lussien]

Yeah, it's just the interaction problem because I do tend to maybe one day bring my character to go out and skin desert animals and sell them for profit and getting my stats up. It's just the gamer side of me, I like to gather, collect stuff and sell it for gold to be used in times of emergency or pleasure. Also, I like to see my statistics increasing and skills getting more proficient.

So what I've learnt during my first few hours of playtime was, I've to spar with other people in order to not miss so much when I attack or use a skill.

[Riev]

Lussien is clearly an Achiever-type gamer. Welcome to the dark side, young apprentice.

Also follow just about -everything- said here, even the stuff that conflicts. Having trouble interacting with other players can be a real bother, especially if you're off peak. I recently became offpeak (well, a year ago) when I got a new job. The one thing I can say about most off-peakers is, we're consistent. If I say I log in at this time every day, Chances are I am online at that time every day. It makes it easier to interact when you know who is around.

[Adiadochokinesis]

Yeah, it's just the interaction problem because I do tend to maybe one day bring my character to go out and skin desert animals and sell them for profit and getting my stats up. It's just the gamer side of me, I like to gather, collect stuff and sell it for gold to be used in times of emergency or pleasure. Also, I like to see my statistics increasing and skills getting more proficient.

So what I've learnt during my first few hours of playtime was, I've to spar with other people in order to not miss so much when I attack or use a skill.

Just an FYI, if you are in a clan, most have rules against going out in the desert on your own to do that. Additionally, if you play during offpeak hours (like if you live outside of the US), you probably wont see as many people.

[lussien]

But all those restrictions are keeping me alive any how. Hahah. So I'm just glad that I do have some interaction even if it is minimal and slowly figuring out things on the mud. Speaking of which, yes, my character is clanned so there is a channel for interaction due to other wonderful PCs which makes logging on so worthwhile.

[RogueGunslinger]

Yeah. All those restrictions most clans have "No rinth, no leaving gates alone"

They keep you alive.

But!!! As a new player, I'm going to suggest you try making a desert explorer-type character as one of your first. Don't expect him to live long, and you might just have the time of your life. And learn a lot of really important things.

The wastes are awesome, and even some of the vet's don't know much about them.

[Adiadochokinesis]

Yeah. All those restrictions most clans have "No rinth, no leaving gates alone"

They keep you alive.

But!!! As a new player, I'm going to suggest you try making a desert explorer-type character as one of your first. Don't expect him to live long, and you might just have the time of your life. And learn a lot of really important things.

The wastes are awesome, and even some of the vet's don't know much about them.

You learn more exponentially as you live longer (as a character). Trust me.

[lussien]

That sounds interesting, I might try one of those free roaming type once my current character had done her purposes. I'm much more concerned about increasing more statistics so I would be able to kill impending enemies or some such as since ArmMUD is not like the other muds that I play where you can pretty much guess if you're stronger than a mob. Which makes it exciting gameplay.

[Synthesis]

Yeah, you can learn pretty much everything on the Known World map with a single ranger in less than 15 days' playing time.

The things on the map aren't really the things that are worth knowing, let's just put it that way.

[Lizzie]

That's just so ridiculously negative Synthesis. For me, there are things "on the Known World map" that are majorly interesting. There are places I know exist, because I've heard about them IC, that are presumably on this "known world map" that I've never been to. Entire areas I haven't explored yet - things to climb up, things to fall down into, things to scale the side of, things to creep inside. All, supposedly, within the perimeter of what is considered "the known world." I mean shit, there are even apartments I haven't been in yet (believe it or not). I look forward to the discovery of each new thing I see. It's always at *least* a "huh..imagine that" moment. Even if it isn't always a "OMGWTF THIS IS KURAAAZY 4 REEL" moment.

Just because you're bored with things, just because you've "been there done that seen it all" doesn't mean it's boring for everyone. And just because I've seen something 100 times, doesn't mean the 101st time won't be at least an "interesting" experience. Maybe it is for you. But don't impose your blase attitude on everyone else. You certainly don't speak for me.

[Synthesis]

That's just so ridiculously negative Synthesis. For me, there are things "on the Known World map" that are majorly interesting. There are places I know exist, because I've heard about them IC, that are presumably on this "known world map" that I've never been to. Entire areas I haven't explored yet - things to climb up, things to fall down into, things to scale the side of, things to creep inside. All, supposedly, within the perimeter of what is considered "the known world." I mean shit, there are even apartments I haven't been in yet (believe it or not). I look forward to the discovery of each new thing I see. It's always at *least* a "huh..imagine that" moment. Even if it isn't always a "OMGWTF THIS IS KURAAAZY 4 REEL" moment.

Just because you're bored with things, just because you've "been there done that seen it all" doesn't mean it's boring for everyone. And just because I've seen something 100 times, doesn't mean the 101st time won't be at least an "interesting" experience. Maybe it is for you. But don't impose your blase attitude on everyone else. You certainly don't speak for me.

You totally missed the point, Lizzie.

The things worth knowing are what other characters are doing, not what's on the map.

[Zoltan]

That's just so ridiculously negative Synthesis. For me, there are things "on the Known World map" that are majorly interesting. There are places I know exist, because I've heard about them IC, that are presumably on this "known world map" that I've never been to. Entire areas I haven't explored yet - things to climb up, things to fall down into, things to scale the side of, things to creep inside. All, supposedly, within the perimeter of what is considered "the known world." I mean shit, there are even apartments I haven't been in yet (believe it or not). I look forward to the discovery of each new thing I see. It's always at *least* a "huh..imagine that" moment. Even if it isn't always a "OMGWTF THIS IS KURAAAZY 4 REEL" moment.

Just because you're bored with things, just because you've "been there done that seen it all" doesn't mean it's boring for everyone. And just because I've seen something 100 times, doesn't mean the 101st time won't be at least an "interesting" experience. Maybe it is for you. But don't impose your blase attitude on everyone else. You certainly don't speak for me.

You totally missed the point, Lizzie.

The things worth knowing are what other characters are doing, not what's on the map.

Good point. Still, the map's pretty gnarly, in my experience.

[Pale Horse]

You totally missed the point, Lizzie.

The things worth knowing are what other characters are doing, not what's on the map.

Unless she has a high "Explorer" percentage 

[lussien]

I'm a High Achiever Gamer. ^_^

Oooh, I think I haven't asked about what kind of achievements you can do? So what can you do to achieve things(even minor ones)?

My character kind of messed up one chance for an achievement due to poorly coordinated combat output commands.

Is it because the way that Arm is created, all commands are stacked and sent through the server before returning an output at a delayed rate? Or is it because of my internet connection being over a huge pond?

[Adiadochokinesis]

I'm a High Achiever Gamer. ^_^

Oooh, I think I haven't asked about what kind of achievements you can do? So what can you do to achieve things(even minor ones)?

My character kind of messed up one chance for an achievement due to poorly coordinated combat output commands.

Is it because the way that Arm is created, all commands are stacked and sent through the server before returning an output at a delayed rate? Or is it because of my internet connection being over a huge pond?

There is a built in delay for most commands. Also, you can press 'stop' at any time to clear your command buffer.

[Lizzie]

I didn't miss the point at all. I just completely disagree with you. Exploring is a big part of the fun of Arm. If it wasn't intended to be, there'd only be one forest room, one city room, on grasslands room. Or maybe they wouldn't bother with areas at all. They'd tell you "all hunting critters are 2 rooms west" and let everyone take their shots. But they don't. They created the physical world of Zalanthas expressly for the purpose of exploring. And yeah I like exploring. Myst is one of my all-time favorite graphics games. I felt you were cheating the new player out of information that is up to -them- to decide if they want to check out, and not for -you- to decide to inform them isn't worth checking out.

As for combat stacking, I don't do it. I don't stack much of anything. I end up missing too much when I do. It's the explorer in me. And yes, I used to go spellunking when I was younger. You could go into the same cave 20 times, and discover something new the 21st.

[Synthesis]

omfg lizzie, you are so dramatic

[Lizzie]

omfg lizzie, you are so dramatic

Yes, yes I am.
Maybe that's why I love to mud so much. I get to act.

[HTX]

Oooh, I think I haven't asked about what kind of achievements you can do? So what can you do to achieve things(even minor ones)?

The obvious things which can be 'achieved' are skills, knowledge and money (just got to be careful to do these things in a realistic and in-character manner; sometimes, you just got to resist the urge to spam money-making activities). Other than that... it's a broad question. It's like asking "what can be achieved in the real world"? There's no set goals or objectives to the game, other than to roleplay out a character. What you can 'achieve' is completely up to you (with only a few limits set by the theme, realism, and the admins who run the game).

Get creative. Goals can be anything from discovering a lost city (gather a group together, grab a shovel, wander into the desert and see what happens), to building a thriving business, to simply finding enough coins to survive another day.

Of course, been an off-peaker may be a pain. As an Australian, I usually log in just after on-peak times (or just as on-peak times begin to end) so I feel your pain - however, the game can definitely be enjoyed by off-peakers. If you can find a clan populated by off-peakers, however, it's great.

But I also got to stress that been in a dead clan, or having your clan mates all play at a different time to you, sucks. Bad. This problem is amplified as an off-peaker (sitting in a barracks with no clan mates online and only 5-15 other players online, spread throughout the game world? Ouch).

If you want to join a clan, what I recommend is that you carefully observe who's around on the same time as you, and make note of their clans ("clan" by the way, is an OOC term to describe different groups in the game, whether they be a Noble House, Merchant House, a mercenary company, etc.). You can often tell which clan a character belongs to by the equipment they wear. Here is an unfinished guide on said equipment:

http://www.zalanthas.org/gdb/index.php/topic,36845.0.html

Obviously, you'll want to join a clan which has plenty of clan mates on at the same time as you, and, ideally, a clan leader also with the same playtimes (often clans have restrictions on leaving the gates without another person(s) of certain rank, so, it can kind of suck to be left out of some clan events due to your play times, too).

Once you figure out which clan you want, just ask around for someone who can recruit or hire you, then try and contact them through the Way.

Alternatively, sit at a bar, ask someone if anyone's hiring someone with your skills, and if "they're around this time of the week" (which is partially an OOC question: "Does said clan leader play during this time, or does s/he have different play times to me?")

As mentioned above, clans are not for everyone. Independents have a lot of freedom, spare time, no schedule to follow, but can, too, be very successful (or die a horrific death after living a life of poverty and misery!). But interaction may be less, unless you actively get out there and create plots and interaction (may be difficult for a newbie).

Clans, in my opinion, are often geared more towards socialites (eg. social roles such as aide or servant, or the Byn's tight-knit nature), however there's room for killers (for example, Kadius and Salarr hire hunters), explorers to an extent (well, you get to see the world as a hunter and sometimes as a mercenary, I guess, but a clan can also be an explorer's worst nightmare) and achievers to an extent (political roles such as aides/nobles/templars, the last two which are only given out to more experienced players through special application, however; additionally, you can move up the ranks). You seem to be more of an achiever than an explorer, correct? If so, maybe you would be interested in a clanned role as a crafter or soldier/merc... then move up through the ranks + there's also plenty of skill grinding involved in many clans which you might enjoy. Alternatively, you could play an indie trying to start their own mercenary company or merchant empire (if that doesn't involve a lot of achieving, I don't know what does).

[lussien]

Thanks for the long post, HTX.

I've seen the term 'indie', sorry for asking, but what does that mean?

And starting your own military academy or mercenary company sounds very appealing. I'll work towards that goal.

[Adiadochokinesis]

Thanks for the long post, HTX.

I've seen the term 'indie', sorry for asking, but what does that mean?

And starting your own military academy or mercenary company sounds very appealing. I'll work towards that goal.

It's means an independent AKA unclanned character.

[HunterKiller]

I wonder if a mechanism should exist to allow an apping player to punch in their play times and have a list of recommended clans come up? I haven't thought about the best form that engine might take, whether it's something you can look up while apping (which some clans would be out of the question by then) or if it's something that could be posted to a webpage and researched before making that new character.

Most clans already do the tired (intentionally spelled) and true "Monthly roll call" threads on their boards, so the information is already being entered, just make it form-based and accessible to the outside world in a more filtered way.

In addition or instead of the above, maybe display a more focused list of clans for off-peakers to choose from so they have more of an idea of where off-peakers are recommended to go - if they want to be less isolated than normal. The list would strictly be informative and wouldn't limit them from picking other clans, but if they picked a different clan they'd know that most of the time they're going to be playing alone, at least with the current player-base.

All it would really take is to add a module in the account log in section on the website - You log in like you normally would, pick your clan (if the current engine doesn't know that already) and pick your typical play time ranges. An apping player could enter their play times and be sent to a statistics page. They couldn't see a specific user's play times, but they could see a general statistic page listing how many players share their play times as well as what the top three clans are that share those play times.

- HK

[Synthesis]

The problem with the "see which clans are active" idea is that the rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer, generally speaking.

[brytta.leofa]

I wonder if a mechanism should exist to allow an apping player to punch in their play times and have a list of recommended clans come up? I haven't thought about the best form that engine might take, whether it's something you can look up while apping (which some clans would be out of the question by then) or if it's something that could be posted to a webpage and researched before making that new character.

It's almost as easy to just see who you run into in-game over the course of a week.

[HTX]

I wonder if a mechanism should exist to allow an apping player to punch in their play times and have a list of recommended clans come up? I haven't thought about the best form that engine might take, whether it's something you can look up while apping (which some clans would be out of the question by then) or if it's something that could be posted to a webpage and researched before making that new character.

It's almost as easy to just see who you run into in-game over the course of a week.

While it's easy enough to figure this information out through observation if you know what you're doing, yes, it can still be a bit of a pain for many reasons. For example, consider this hypothetical situation:

You're a die-hard Allanaki fan boy/girl. But after reading Tuluk's culture docs you want to roll up a Tuluki and decide to join a clan to help ease you into the Tuluki culture OOCly. So you roll up a crafter... just to find out that there are no active clans in your timezone who hire crafters.

Sucks, right? Even more so for the newbie. In addition, in-game observation has its limitations (ie. you won't get the full picture since your character can only be in one place at the same time, plus some characters rarely come out of their clan compounds or rarely tavern sit where you can observe them).

Having been an off-peaker all my Armageddon career (except during periods of no schooling and unemployment), I can tell you that HunterKiller's suggestion would be a huge help, especially for those months when I feel no inspiration to roll up a character (in part, due to my playtimes).

I think I see Synthesis' point, however as it is, off-peakers seem to already gravitate towards off-peak clans (or just roll up independent characters because they don't know where the hell all the off-peakers went). So, I don't see a huge difference asides from the convenience factor.

Y'know, the more I think about this suggestion the more I like it. Two thumbs up, man.

[lussien]

Oooh, I've got another wonder. When I tried to quit my game, it told me that my character was too excited to leave yet. What was that about?

Also I have a question about encumbrance, would it be alright/safe/no worries if I was around in the range of manageable or less? I'm the type of player which fusses if my character can't move/fight fast enough or last long enough when running from east to west, but I don't want to shortchange my character's armory protection.

A little insight if this post is allowed?

[MarshallDFX]

Oooh, I've got another wonder. When I tried to quit my game, it told me that my character was too excited to leave yet. What was that about?

The game won't let you quit too soon after mudsex.

Just kidding.  It's a timer after combat.

[Akoto]

Also I have a question about encumbrance, would it be alright/safe/no worries if I was around in the range of manageable or less?

Needless to say, the lower your encumbrance is, the better. Some changes went in last summer that put heavy combat penalties on people fighting while carrying a lot of weight. 'Heavy, but manageable' was mentioned by Morgenes in that post, but that could've been a random example.

It's a trade-off, really. Wearing heavy armor (or many varied pieces, if you're weak) will considerably reduce the damage you take. However, you lose the maneuverability that allows you to attack and dodge effectively. I personally aim for easily manageable or lower.

[lussien]

Thanks for the answers!

[lussien]

Time to revive my old thread.

I've come to realize that, in a very short time that Half-elfs are very extremely hard to RP, but manging to pull off their RP, you receive a whole new dimension of RP. This is the very first time where I'm so into playing my PC very often, trying my best to be awake so that she could be pulled into plots or even interact.

Anyways, in a nutshell, half-elfs are kind of, the social rejects of a society, no? Like lone emo?

That's why I hardly see much around. What I want to know is how to develop more into that half elf and human personality to make the person. So far, my PC is hot blooded, has a temper as hot as fire. So I just want to hear how would you play your half elf or even speak of your experience of being an half elf so I can get a better idea on how to form my PC's RP and style. I want to make her realistic, I want to make people like, in a OOC point of view go "Wow, that is one awesome half elf RP personality and behaviour".

I have read the documentations and see that the half elf fits more to my playing style, it's like they're the torn in between. They want to belong, but one side might not accept them fully, most to the max is just admire or respect, but never favoured. I guess that's the running determination of a half elf, to be favoured and to be loved. Their traits make me think like they're rebels in their own right, just fighting for a place to be in/belong.

Is it reasonable for other PCs to have prejudice against a half elf? If so, why? If not why?

If you could tell me what is the most outstanding and realistic or even the most hurtful or tearful half elf drama/rp please post! I want to hear suggestions and opinions. I got so excited that I can actually picture her whole ending life right now.

Sorry for the craziness, lack of sleep.

[spawnloser]

Not all half-elves have to act like loner emo children.  Sure, they have a desire to be accepted and a desire to be independent that creates a conflict within them... but they don't have to revert to something so stereotypical and pathetic.  (Emo kids are pathetic.)

Suggestions:

• When playing a half-elf, use the 'think' command extensively.  Have your character want and NOT want, at the same time, someone's attention... be picky about the type of attention you get, even if you don't have the character display such in emotes, because thinks are a much better way to explore your character's desires/wants/psychoses.
• It is ABSOLUTELY appropriate for a half-elf to be prejudiced against by both humans and elves, even other half-elves.  To humans and elves, the half-elf is tainted by the other race's bloodline.  Other half-elves were also raised with prejudice and in case you didn't know, constant prejudice has a way of training even those that are the target of prejudice to react in expected ways.

[musashi]

I Love playing breeds. I find that the most aspect aspect of them is to really ay up the conflict of wanting to be accepted but also wanting to be indenpendent. Consantly trying to be welcomed into a group but still desiring to remain forever apart from it is usually the shaping factor for the half elves I play. 

[lussien]

So it's fine if I make my breed an angry hot tempered person, if the situation arises? Also, is it normal for a breed to like, want to isolate themselves if they feel like they're too 'into' something?

Like let's say A trusts my Breed and my Breed starts to feel much more insecure because she doesn't want A to see her fragile side, the kid side that just wants to belong. Would you RP with such a breed who is unpredictable and yet reliable at the same time, or even trust her with your life? I do understand about the elven tribe steadfast loyalty for the tribe, but will that sense of loyalty be so strong in a breed?

[Zoltan]

A well-played, hot-tempered breed is awesome. I've never tried playing the race myself, but one of these days...

[Synthesis]

So it's fine if I make my breed an angry hot tempered person, if the situation arises? Also, is it normal for a breed to like, want to isolate themselves if they feel like they're too 'into' something?

Like let's say A trusts my Breed and my Breed starts to feel much more insecure because she doesn't want A to see her fragile side, the kid side that just wants to belong. Would you RP with such a breed who is unpredictable and yet reliable at the same time, or even trust her with your life? I do understand about the elven tribe steadfast loyalty for the tribe, but will that sense of loyalty be so strong in a breed?

Yeah, one of the most awesome breeds ever* was extremely hot-tempered.

*Even though she did PK me for no reason whatsoever.

[Semper]

Half-elf roleplay

That's just one out of a lot of other threads regarding HE roleplay that's been discussed on the GDB. I'd recommend using the advanced search tool on the forum to track some of them down.

Players have different ways of viewing how their half-elf would react, but what's on the documentation for them is a good guideline to go off of. For the most part, I think half-elves can be seen more like the fresh-off-the-boat immigrant as a RL equivalent with a serious emotional problem. Some hide their emotions better than others. Others feed off of them.

[Fathi]

No matter what spin you decide to put on the racial psychology, it's a lot easier to stay true to the racial docs if you just naturally integrate them into your character's personality. Try not to look at "appropriate half-elf RP" and "my PC's personality" as separate entities.

For example, you said your PC is rather hot-headed. Rather than asking if that's appropriate, look at the documentation and see how you can use the half-elf psyche to back up the traits you want your character to have. What exactly is it that triggers your character's temper? Does it anger her when people harass her for being a half-elf, or is the anger reserved for people who try to get close to her? If it's both, which makes her angrier?

It's a lot easier for me to play by the racial docs when I use them to reinforce the personality I want the character to have. Hope that helps!

[musashi]

Fathi's a gud RP'er 

[lussien]

Here's a question though.

I've read some threads where you could complain about a player to the staff. Might I ask on what basis where such a issue will surface?

[Fathi]

Here's a question though.

I've read some threads where you could complain about a player to the staff. Might I ask on what basis where such a issue will surface?

I would file a complaint if I witnessed...

• Someone abusing a bug or feature of the code to do something they should not be able to do.
• Breakage of the consent rules for sex, torture, or rape in any form.
• A player quitting out in the middle of a scene to avoid something unpleasant happening to their character, with no OOC warning.
• People failing to take the virtual world into account in extreme ways. (Wishing up is often better for this than a complaint.)

This is just one player's opinion, but I don't really see myself as a self-appointed authority on other people's roleplay. I don't file complaints often; when I do, it's almost always for rule-breaking rather than poor RP.

[janeshephard]

Here's a question though.

I've read some threads where you could complain about a player to the staff. Might I ask on what basis where such a issue will surface?

I've only filed one complaint and it wasn't really a complaint. I wanted staff to give a player guidance on an issue I felt they had with RP. That's what the player complaint request is ultimately for. Instead of confronting the player and causing problems let the staff know and chances are the player will be far more receptive to criticism from them.

Also if someone is just being a jackass you can use it although I've only witnessed total jackassery once in this MUD.

[Pale Horse]

Here's a question though.

I've read some threads where you could complain about a player to the staff. Might I ask on what basis where such a issue will surface?

I've only filed one complaint and it wasn't really a complaint. I wanted staff to give a player guidance on an issue I felt they had with RP. That's what the player complaint request is ultimately for. Instead of confronting the player and causing problems let the staff know and chances are the player will be far more receptive to criticism from them.

Also if someone is just being a jackass you can use it although I've only witnessed total jackassery once in this MUD.

Keep in mind that if you think someone IG is being a total jackass to you, then chances are, you're right, and any complaint you have against them won't be given much thought.  Now, if you feel that it's gone beyond the realm of In Character and In Game, into OOC abuse and such, then the player complaint tool is a wonderful tool.

[janeshephard]

Keep in mind that if you think someone IG is being a total jackass to you, then chances are, you're right, and any complaint you have against them won't be given much thought.  Now, if you feel that it's gone beyond the realm of In Character and In Game, into OOC abuse and such, then the player complaint tool is a wonderful tool.

Well aware of this

[lussien]

I needa new character concept. Or a new kind of personality.

<--- RP persona blocked. D:

Any PC suggestions, that has not been played before or downright crazy, yet playable? Please stimulate me

Thanks!

[HTX]

Just about everything (with some rare exceptions) has been done before. If not in Armageddon, then in film or literature.

Therefore, as long as you're not doing something incredibly cheesy, stereotypical or clinche, I wouldn't bat an eyelash and I doubt anyone else would.

Anyway, I like coming up with a vague concept, before starting to flesh the personality out fully, so here's some random ideas I can think off the top of my head... (I may or may not add to the list later; they're only vague concepts, not fully fleshed out personalities, so you can build on the ideas and use your own creativity):

*Lazy. Okay, you might not gain much trust at first, or be given any important jobs if people know your character will never get it done. But I've always liked this personality flaw.

*Bully - sometimes, I feel it's a bit odd how well characters often get along in the game (with the exception of discrimination on the basis of race, mutations, birth location, socioeconomic class, etc.) Hell, I live in a nice, fluffy, well-developed country in real life and I often am confronted with more person-to-person conflict in reality than I am in this game. So be that misfit who just can't get along with people. Maybe they just can't stand people who have conflicting personalities, or maybe they're that immature idiot who loves making other people's lives hell just for the personal satisfaction.

*Arrogant - maybe your character thinks they're better than others. Well either way, they most definitely ACT like it.

*Achiever - your character isn't content with his/her place at the bottom of the social ladder. They may be highly manipulative and willing to do everything from assassination to bribes to lying to get that next promotion - or they may be a bumbling idiot. Either way, they're highly motivated to make something out of their life.

*Chatter-box - perhaps your character likes talking a lot of smack and is highly sarcastic. Or perhaps they have a never-ending stream of trivial comments and chatter.

*Idiotic - a total screw-up. Every time your character is ordered around, screw up intentionally (OOCly that is, ICly your character might just be unable to help screwing up).

*Aggressive. Maybe your character just can't resist a bar brawl. Maybe they're vindictive. Or perhaps passive-aggressive grudge-holders, who will go to great lengths to get revenge passively.

*Deep-thinker. And I don't necessarily mean a noble who has interests in philosophy (which raises the question: just how much has philosophy developed in Zalanthas?). Just an introvert, often content to ponder everything, from the mundane and trivial, to the more serious or "deep" questions. Just because your average Zalanthian is completely uneducated doesn't mean they can't THINK, though they might not have developed certain logical or critical thinking skills, I'd imagine. Sprinkle plenty of logical fallacies into your character's line of thought if they're uneducated, and it's not far-fetched.

Feel free to combine or experiment with different concepts. Slap on some personality flaws, strengths, likes, dislikes, tastes, habits, pet peeves, opinions/values. And bam, you already have a fairly developed character.

If all else fails... play an elf.

[lussien]

HTX, those are really great suggestions and types of flaws that can actually help develop a character.

I think I've developed my character naturally or maybe it's just my alter ego that seemed to seep into my PC. However, just a curiosity. I'm trying to play safe but I know it's more fun to take risks:

Let's say my PC is amorous and extremely flirtatious. She hold only regard to whom she can use and so she becomes extremely sexual with them(or something).

With other normal ordinary PCs, the personality seemed to work well and I made some friends, however, what about those of higher ups? The hard edged nobles and the cruel templars? What do you think they would do if a PC went to suggestively flirt with them? That's just my question, I do seriously want to preserve my PC, don't want her to die less than in a week.

Thanks if you can tell me, I've tried to make it as general as possible.

[Gimfalisette]

With other normal ordinary PCs, the personality seemed to work well and I made some friends, however, what about those of higher ups? The hard edged nobles and the cruel templars? What do you think they would do if a PC went to suggestively flirt with them? That's just my question, I do seriously want to preserve my PC, don't want her to die less than in a week.

Find out IC. The only way you can answer this question is by attempting to RP it out.

[Cerelum]

With other normal ordinary PCs, the personality seemed to work well and I made some friends, however, what about those of higher ups? The hard edged nobles and the cruel templars? What do you think they would do if a PC went to suggestively flirt with them? That's just my question, I do seriously want to preserve my PC, don't want her to die less than in a week.

Find out IC. The only way you can answer this question is by attempting to RP it out.

But sometimes you don't want to know the answer to certain questions....

[lussien]

stuff

Find out IC. The only way you can answer this question is by attempting to RP it out.

But sometimes you don't want to know the answer to certain questions....

Eh. Might as well take the risk.

[HTX]

Well, there are certain things a person in either City State would know regarding commoner/templar/noble relationships, unless they've been living under a rock all their life.

Going through the docs might be enough to answer your questions, lussien. I've found some snippets of the docs which are most relevant to your question, so I don't necessarily think the question is something should be wholly found out ICly:

Allanak:

Nobles can, and often do, take concubines and catamites from the ranks of the common folk when an especially attractive individual catches their eye, and the position of such individuals is comparable to that of other influential house servants. Concubines and catamites can expect to be kept in style and lavished with gifts. The wiser of them tuck these gifts away for old age, when all but the most subtle and gifted of them can expect to be discarded by their master or mistress. They may be resented and feared by other House servants, due to their influence over a particular member of the House, but their role is accepted.

Tuluk:

(Nobles and Commoners would never dare be intimate in a sexual manner - in other words absolutely no sexual activity between the Castes)

So, in Tuluk, trying to pull that off probably would be highly taboo and not recommended.

In the south, well, it could be possible... If your character doesn't mind been a concubine. Although I get the impression it would be more like trying to prove you're a good concubine, not so much "flirting" with the nobility.

But hey, you most definitely can try flirting with nobility.

[lussien]

HTX thank you for being super super helpful. I find these kind of answers more helpful then find out IC (dot) (dot) (dot) types, though I appreciate trying not to give me spoilers but at least something to think about while I play.

[lussien]

Wooh, after a few weeks of not getting my crackageddon. I'm actually looking up for an very experienced and sneaky mentor to help me out with something. I've a plot in my mind but can only be done only if I have some extra help from a player and my dedication and commitment. If you'd like to RP with me and teach me ways of the sneaky, please send me a PM!

[Lizzie]

Recruiting for cohorts/in-game tutors is strictly against the forum rules. Looking for a helper to give you help out-of-game is fine and encouraged. You could try e-mailing the staff if there's something specific you need in-game help with, and don't know where to look for it. They might give you a nudge in the right direction, or at least give you a hint as to how to enquire in-game.

[Cutthroat]

Recruiting for cohorts/in-game tutors is strictly against the forum rules. Looking for a helper to give you help out-of-game is fine and encouraged. You could try e-mailing the staff if there's something specific you need in-game help with, and don't know where to look for it. They might give you a nudge in the right direction, or at least give you a hint as to how to enquire in-game.

This.
Please look at http://www.zalanthas.org/gdb/index.php/topic,36773.0.html
Feel free to contact me, I'm a pretty knowledgeable sneaky-guy. I'm sure several other helpers are too.

[lussien]

Oh nono, I'm not actually wanting to recruit a tutor IG. It's all about the discussion outside of the game, but of course I do not want to know everything, just some ways where a sneaky person is supposed to think and act, that's all. Sorry if my post actually makes you think that I'm recruiting, I'm not. Sorry!

The RP is actually inviting players to come interact with me either by accident or a well planned out meeting. I'm not just asking for tutors and maxxed skills IG. There's clans to help with that.