2010-11-16 [Figgy]: I have just one question: What is the importance of his blacksmithing skills, and how advanced are they?

We're incredibly nitpicky around her. We don't like for characters to be TOO overloaded (though yours really doesn't seem to be.) Sorry for that >.>

2010-11-18 [EmeraldGrizzly]: In case you were wondering I had my friend [MechianRed] send you that message yesterday. Anymore questions please let me know I will edit next time I'm on.

2010-11-18 [Figgy]: Yes, I got the message. I'm really just trying to think about how your character would have time to learn all of his abilities, other than learning being all he did growing up.

2010-11-18 [EmeraldGrizzly]: After considerable thought, the blacksmithing skills and the sword are probably not the best of things to have they stick out the most. Would cutting those aspects from the char work better for you? I've been thinking more about hand to hand combat anyways for the character i.e. putting dragon style to use. from 16 to 18 he was away from the school training in dragon. I will edit page when on next.

2010-11-18 [Figgy]: I think I like the idea of dragon training more, really. When next you edit it, I'll check it out, and probably post it up on the characters page :3

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Thanks so much! I am editing now...

2010-11-19 [MechianRed]: one of the twos should be a to

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: That is very vague Jon, where please :)

2010-11-19 [MechianRed]: my name isn't spelled that way...

2010-11-19 [MechianRed]: The first year spent with a teacher coming two the school the other two in China.
also if you spent time in china does your character know Chinese?

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Of all the blasted things... sorry.

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: I know not to draw on notebook paper, but it's all I had at the moment, plus I like using a pencil, but you do with what you got.

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Somewhat, just enough to get by. I am adding more now... thanks.

2010-11-19 [MechianRed]: I think knowing a bit of Chinese would go into the special skills category. That's why I asked. Also I know its a rough draft but... He looks like a gorilla... Ironic though..the guy who draws only has access to notebook paper and the guy who doesn't. well i have plenty of drawing pads around me at the moment.

2010-11-19 [Figgy]: Just simple conversational Chinese, nothing major.

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Exactly! "hello', "how are you", "thank you", "I am Crusher"... 'sally sells seashells - just kidding :3

2010-11-19 [MechianRed]: How about "I don't speak Chinese that well."

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: HA! Yeah, that would work. MissFiggy?

2010-11-19 [Figgy]: That's absolutely fine. XD

2010-11-19 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Thanks so much, I can't wait!

2010-11-23 [Duredhel]: Uhhhm... well as a former D&D player i'd suggest that if you want to include those stats there, you roll some actual stats and apply them, because right now those look a lot like "my character is good at everything!"

Also can't help but find it amusing how every single fucking character is handsome when by all means and purposes, some could even come to be considered borderline deformed. (I mean seriously.. 20% thicker skull + underbite?)

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: Well as Grizzly stated he has those conditions himself... and and I don't think his wife would call him deformed.. myself on the other hand.

2010-11-23 [Veltzeh]: 20 % of the skull's thickness is very little anyway.

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: and I never said that my character was decently handsome.. actually I added more scarring so there a semi ugly character.

2010-11-23 [Duredhel]: It would depend on the distribution of that 20%. *Sigh* When will people learn about 'me!' characters? :/

And Crimson, I wasn't referring to you or your character, or even characters in this RP, I meant RP characters in general. In any case, my main gripe was the states, mebbe it's just rule-based player OCD. I like the fact that Grizzly tried to set some RPG stats up there because its an attempt to give a modicum of balance to a character. But I wish he'd put up some actual rolled stats and worked his character within those if he wanted stats up, instead of just a bunch of 16+

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: Dude I know. I should've put a :p by my statements. Also I don't think he was aiming for a me char. Just some interesting health stats to give his char an edge

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: Actually I do agree with you on the rolled stats part. Except for strength for obvious reasons. On the other hand he could roll a d100 for strength

2010-11-23 [Flisky]: I find this humorous. Why are all the new characters 18 years or older?

2010-11-23 [Duredhel]: Sex :O

2010-11-23 [Flisky]: *gasp*

2010-11-23 [Figgy]: Because that's how old the players want them to be..?

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: rofl, not to mention that the last two (mine and emeralds) are over 6 foot tall.

2010-11-23 [Flisky]: Plus the new guys all seem to be so...buff...strength seems high on the list of importance. It's just...meh.

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: Hey now Gabriel isn't buff yes Lucien is but then his power is strength. Um buff means a like a body builder right?

2010-11-23 [Flisky]: I meant buff like overly strong. (Gabriel is sort of overly strong. He can punch through walls, can't he?)

2010-11-23 [Duredhel]: I like my character physically weak ;3.
Love to think of strategy beyond "I smash! :O!"

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: He can but because of his power the idea being the energy is pushing the wall not that he is physically punching through. Though the force he puts he puts into the punch helps. Any ways I thought you were referring to looks sorry.

2010-11-23 [MechianRed]: But simple strategy's are easy on the brain

2010-11-23 [Flisky]: I know what you mean Dur. Physically, neither of my charries can do crap. (Except Addy being agile as a snake.)

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Note: The following stats are what I rolled just now with 4d6 Str=40(super reasons, but rolled an 18), Dex=16, Con=16, Int=10, Wis=17, Cha=14, & App=18

Now, when I make a character (any character) I always incorporate parts of myself into them whether they be events, physical markers, or personality traits. By your definition Duredhel, all of my characters are me characters. I like beauty, I appreciate the body in all it's forms, hence I made a physically attractive character. The stats above are rolled per you suggestion and I wonder MissFiggy if they are more to your liking considering we are not playing D&D I didn't know if they mattered or not, however since Duredhel mentioned such (and I only put them there to better explain Crusher to people who happen to RP in games like D&D) I didn't know if they were necessary.

Oh, and Duredhel, I am most defiantly NOT deformed. The 1/5 falls to inner thickness of the bone from what I understand. It's as if the inside of my skull was "extruded". I chose my medical history (minus a hip operation) because whenever people like to learn about me; I tell them that "laundry list" and am usually asked "Are you some kind of mutant?" :)

Savy?

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: wow emgrizz is Jack sparrow...

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: You wish! I wouldn't be buff then! LMAO

2010-11-24 [Duredhel]: Uhm.. I'm generally against incorporating parts of the player into the character, specially parts that are very specific to said player, it blurs the line between the character and the player and players end up taking affronts to their characters personally (whether they like to admit it or not, I've GMed upwards of 100 people in the last 10 years and found that to be a bit of a universal truth, and as GM, people who do it overtly tend to trigger a red flag). The general rule I've found (not true every time, just most) is that the best players have the characters that stand further apart from themselves.

Now, EVERYONE becomes invested and lives vicariously through their character to a small degree, and there can be common grounds between a character and a player, but the more specific these things are, the worse the investing gets. The stats, as I said before, are not necessary, but IF you're gonna have them, best to have them done right.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: So, to want to live an experience through your character is wrong in your eyes then is it Duredhel? I've found it to be quite freeing. My DMing of 40+ people in the last 8 years has shown me that it helps people through the day; you know, forgetting or in some cases fighting though personal issues (such as myself). I'll admit it here and now that D&D has saved my life (as corny as that sounds). Personally, a character that hasn't a quite a bit of you in it seems to me to be lack luster at best. Typically I play Half-Orcs, Half-Orges, Half-Dragons, or large humans with a chip on their shoulder who are defiantly misunderstood. Seldom do I deviate from this path for I find it freeing... to live safely in a successful RP than try it for real. Of course I am my characters and my characters are me, that's why I play them. I don't want to give a lack luster performance, I do what I know. Now, yes, as a Lv. 3 DM out of 5 Lv.s I can easily play something else, but it comes down to that defining factor... something we must all face when investing in something like this expansive RP...

enjoyment.

The original stats were my best attempt at properly gauging the character. Whether we like it or not, there are some characters out there in the fantasy world that are 'epic' to begin with. Their low scores are 14's and 16's. True, they usually lack resources or have a major defining negative trait, but they exist. Why is it that I am wrong to emulate that rarity?

As well, these are super mutants, not average humans. Any stat above 15 is a hero stat in D&D. Average humans only have 10-11. At 20 and lower isn't god-like, it's simply "Super Hero." 40 is epic, however isn't that his point? Super Strength? If we are to be akin to the likes of Wolverine, Phoenix, Xavier and the like, we have to start somewhere... right?

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Gary Gygax along with the other creators of D&D stated that a 20 strength is modern day body builders. So where do super heroes fall in at?

You can look that up by the way ;)

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: a little strong there emerald.... lay it on thick will ya.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Not laying it on thick, just explaining what I believe in. :)

Listen, I'm not trying to pick a fight here, I'm just adamant about my views is all.

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: Holy fuck, it was a suggestion. Not a challenge. Nevertheless, prepare for the incoming wrath of teh Dur. XD

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: Ok guys here is the major issue period. d&d stats don't mix with superhero comic book world. take batman or wildcat or green arrow. they are "normal" humans who throw on costumes and beat up bad guys. true they are trained martial artists but how many times in the comics or cartoons are they beat up and thrown around, tossed into cars, windows and such? just to get back up and start beating on the bad guys again. I remember one instance where wild cat punches through a brick wall... and he's just a human boxer. in comic book world whats normal and what isn't is very blurred. btw me and grizz tend to take things personal... me more then emgrizz.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: This is an RP, we're not even playing D&D, the stats are nothing more than a reference tool... that's it. it's not like we are gaining XP and leveling our characters. They are going to change emotionally, spiritually, physically and maybe morally; but not in stats for goodness sake!

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: btw how does one have a holy fuck? i mean literally? have sex with an angel?

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: I'm defending myself & Crusher against a verbal onslaught here, no?

OMG Crimson... watch out for the lightning...

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: 1. Who cares about the stats, really? And why was there even an argument made if you think they aren't even necessary? XD
2. Light + Shade = Holy Fuck. I promise.

I don't think you are quite defending more than you are provoking. XD

2010-11-24 [Duredhel]: Grizzly, your character doesn't have to be you for you to live an experience through him/her, in fact, with a me! character, you're better off trying to live similar experiences yourself (carpe diem, you know?). Learning to see the world through the eyes of a character whose viewpoints and appreciation is radically different than yours provides a much more interesting storytelling experience and greater insight than simply playing yourself, but better looking and with superpowers.

There is nothing wrong with using RP as catharsis, but when you start using it in lieu of therapy or a fulfilling personal life, then you're stepping into dangerous grounds. Personally, I RP for fun and as a means to tell a story, not deal with my problems, if I have an issue in real life, I'd rather face and overcome that problem in real life. I actually enjoy the process of considering my character's history, personality, viewpoints, etc when it comes to making a decision for him, rather than simply deferring to what I would do. When a player is living vicariously through a character, they are less prone to make certain sacrifices with that character for the good of the storyline.

Everyone wants their character to be the main character, the greatest one, the strongest, fastest, best looking one, this is specially true in me! characters. They are there to fulfil the needs of the player, not the needs of the story, regardless of which can provide the most enjoyment for the RP as a whole. This is all specially true in an expansive RP. Of course, that all depends on what you prioritize as a GM, and as a GM, I'd rather not indulge in masturbatory exercises. Now, this doesn't mean you can't love your characters, I love mine to death, neither does it mean that all me! characters are bad, it just means that there are things one needs to watch out for. How exactly does playing oneself over and over and over again will make one more versatile, more open and gain more insight as a player?

And yet again.. missing the point entirely with the stats, though you sort of answer your own question. Yes, he is a mutant, yes, he has super strength, he doesn't however, have super speed, super endurance (ok... mebbe he has this one), super intelligence or super charisma. In areas other than his strength, a super strong character will usually be in the range of an average human. Now, what is the problem with emulating rarity? Simple, other characters will not react to the rarity however you want to present it. Super strength is easy, but the charisma, intelligence, etc, it all depends on the way other characters react to yours. If you set them too high, there will be a schism between what is evidenced in the RP and what is written on the sheet. A schism than is not only misleading to new players wanting to read up on the current characters, but tends to cause frustration in players who set up their characters to be super handsome and super smart, yet get overtaken and outsmarted by other characters. Now, again, not referring to you or your character specifically, just a comment on the situation with uber-stats in general. The solution is simple, if its not a stat based RP (and henceforth, there are no ways to enforce such stats) don't give your character any.. and if you do, make them average enough so you can get away with whatever reaction other characters have to yours.

Now, you are taking this as a sort of personal affront, it seems. I'm just stating the way I've run games as first and foremost, a storyteller. As I said in the blurb I wrote for Power Using in the RP, you can get away with a lot of stuff that is advised against if you know what you're doing. Unfortunately, 9 our of 10 RPers don't really know what they're doing. Or at least not enough to watch out for some of the pitfalls that can occur.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: HOLY FUCK MULTIPLE PARAGRAPHS

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: I told you XD

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: they just need to agree to disagree... his comeback is coming tho

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: And when it does, I get to tell them to shut the hell up. XD

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: I heard part of his reply i think he already says that for you... he called me when I was away for an hour... I was watching Return of the Joker...

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: I'm going to take the higher road and thank you your attempt to be civil and explain your point of view. In which I obviously do not agree with. Thank goodness that MissFiggy is GMing this or there could have been an issue of opinions. For she has no problems with my characters or explanation for whose only opinion counts in this situation. We shall see how well I can role-play when we continue this magnificent story. Forgive me MissFiggy if I upset you in any of this banter. I'm simply passionate.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: campaign? I thought it was an online rp?

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: Okay, Dur has his opinion, and Grizzly has his opinion. It's not anything anyone is trying to force on anyone. My personal opinion? I agree with Dur. But that doesn't mean that every fucking person should agree with him. I mean, if that's what you do best, cool, awesome, but there are always gonna be suggestions to try something different, you know? It's just best that we agree to disagree. Kay? Kay. :3

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Kay ;) Differences is the spice of life and makes the world beautiful.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: sooo holy fuck anyone, one of my residents says im an angel..

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: ??????? What?!

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: where did dur get the idea that crusher had super endurance?

2010-11-24 [Duredhel]: Uhm? I didn't :O
I meant to say that super strength and super endurance tend to, thematically, go hand in hand. Specially because more powerful muscles tend to mean you're more resistant as well. Of course, its a usually, not an always.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: yeah his char profile specifically says that he doesnt have super endurance "However, the physical resistance and endurance of an average healthy man" and you said "he has super strength, he doesn't however, have super speed, super endurance (ok... mebbe he has this one)" umm you did actually read the character right?

2010-11-24 [Duredhel]: God, here we go again. Please note the 'tend to' and 'maybe' (albeit whimsically spelled mebbe) in the sentences I wrote >,<

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: yoda time. there is no mebbe he specifically states average healthy man.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: I need to stop.. I'm waaayyy to good at arguments and i take them way too far.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: :o

Ohhhhh... I thought we finished this? (Yes you are CR, way too...) How 'bout we end it.

Savy?

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: YOU ARE NOT JACK SPARROW.... but yeah sure why not.

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: Guys, DUR said maybe and tends to. Geez. O.o

And your arguments suck if your point is not valid. :/ You're getting it all wrong.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Awesome.

Peanut?

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: I know, I'm not saying anymore, just trying to calm CR down tis' all. He takes things far.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: I need to stop... DAMN YOU EMERALD FOR GETTING ME INVOLVED... I will take this too far if I continue so I am going to stop and say one last thing (to myself as well as dur and grizz)

This is a game people a fantasy science fiction Lets Play X-men game. we really need to let this go and just have fun.

that said yes i would like a peanut.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: *gives peanut and backs away slowly*

2010-11-24 [Figgy]: .... We know it's a game, there wasn't any more argu..... oh, I give up.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: *eats peanut whole* I know i brought the argument back.. i have bad habit when it comes to arguments.

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Agreed. Regardless the reasons, lets have fun!

2010-11-24 [EmeraldGrizzly]: Good Night.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: umm yeah something just seriously messed up with what i was trying to type .. oh well not important

2010-11-24 [Duredhel]: Aaaanyhow :3 I think Grizzly can start posting Lucien whenever he wants.

2010-11-24 [MechianRed]: he went to bed.. if I talk to him tomorrow I'll let him know.