tsukune

Have we been writing Character Sheets wrong?

The issue with describing appearance using text is how different people perceive how much information they need to visualize the characters of other players, and how much should they write to make sure the other players would be able to picture their characters as close to their own vision as possible. Nowadays I noticed that most players simply go with the easier route - using images. I'm not a fan of using images, particularly real-person/celebrity pictures, because I tend to feel miffed at how every character in a supposedly "realistic" RP looks overly fabulous in such setting. Also, unless I draw out the characters myself, most illustrations don't truly reflect the image of the characters I have in mind. Using text gives rise to ambiguity, so it tests the writer's ability to describe a character's appearance with just about enough information for the others to get a good grasp but without being too contrived and specific (which can kill the imagination of others).

Personally, there is nothing wrong to describe briefly about the character's usual dress code - and I mean keeping it simple and generalized, not going into unnecessary details like the example Nutt's had provided. Dress code can be used to give hints or emphasize certain points of the character's personality. E.g. A tomboyish girl would be reluctant to wear skirts and girly clothing compared to typical girls; a rich, vain character would put a lot of care on personal grooming, etc.

- The Melee character with that ancient sword. Can they only use Swords? Do they not know how to use a dagger?
- That Hacker that is skilled in computer science. Are they only experienced in PC science?
- The grenade that is used and will explode into nothingness but has that shiny chrome casing with red trimming. Is describing it useless fluff?
- Does the character walk around EVERYWHERE carrying that AK47?

@NuttsnBolts

- While both swords and daggers are considered melee weapons, depending on the setting, that is related to the job class of the character - typically, the warrior class uses swords, while rangers/assassins would use daggers. If no job class is involved, that will depend on the character's habits and/or setups. Some are flexible and able to use both types of melee weapons with ease, some are more "niche" and would only use just one type, for example.

- Computer Science isn't restricted to just PCs. It's the theoretical - scientific and mathematical - approach to information and computation, which applies to any devices or gadgets that requires some form of AI, including mobile phones, automated vehicles and machinery, communication network, satellites, etc. Programming is the practical approach to Computer Science.

- I agree with the third point, so no further comments from me.

- Regarding firearms, it's the same with clothing. You can say the character favors certain types of guns, but it doesn't mean they only use that particular gun and carry it around 24/7, and most people wouldn't wear the same clothes for... let's not go there.

Unlike some of the people who have commented on thread, I'm those who will double-check the CS numerous times as I write my IC responses for the sake of consistency, especially in advanced-level RPs where there's a lot of things going on to keep track (and my memory is horrible).

Put some salt on my name

X-Salt

Salt Wars

Salt Actually

Doctor Salt

Salt: Legacy

Saltopia

Salted Away

<Insert Name; Will Edit Once Not Busy> {Hang-out Thread}

@Ailyn Evensen
Aaaaand... added ya. :D

<Insert Name; Will Edit Once Not Busy> {Hang-out Thread}

@Ailyn Evensen@Pudding@Shoryu Magami
I can add you all to my PSN since I have a Vita for that. But lemme charge my console first. I haven't touched it for two whole months since I last updated the firmware, lol. (I've been too busy with school to play much games, yo.)

@Ailyn Evensen
Actually what I mean is your Overwatch name/handle to add to friend list, not for PSN, haha. I don't have a PS4, so I'm playing the game on my laptop, which requires me to sign up for a Blizzard (via Battle.net) account on top of an Overwatch account. ^^; Basically the handle plus 4-digit numbers behind... or wait, I can search using email also, lel.

@Shoryu Magami
Well, we have already discussed about our different opinions towards interest in firearms in PMs last time, which I won't do it again. XD Even if I have a "niche" taste for the kind of stuffs I like/prefer, including games, I would give most things a shot first before I make my own final decision on whether it's a thing for me or not.

The reason why I'm not so keen on timed games is partly due to my short attention span, and also because my environment is just not suitable for me to play those type of games. I often have to be called away without notice, so there's no way I can truly sit down and concentrate on the game without having to leave midway (which happens a lot of the time). Which is why I tend to play RPGs and visual novels more than FPS or other game genres, because those two allow me to pause and resume the game as and when I can or want to.

Put some salt on my name

And to rub more salt into the Harry Potter franchise:

Quidditch Through the Salt

(I used to be a Potterhead myself, but hey, nothing wrong for a bit of shits and giggles. ;P)

<Insert Name; Will Edit Once Not Busy> {Hang-out Thread}

@Shoryu Magami
I'm cool with Discord, just send me the invitation link via Skype, or I can give you my Discord name and you can add me instead. XD Also, I have no intention of babbling your ideas to people who are not in the circle - I mean, it's the same for me and my own ideas anyway.

As for FPS, it's again personal preference. I have to say that I'm neither good or bad in FPS, just play them casually like how I'd play most other games. For me, I suck at racing that I never like Mario Kart even though I'm okay with the classic Mario games. I also prefer playing games in zen mode (i.e. at my own time own pace) to playing in timed arcade mode.

<Snipped quote by tsukune>

Whhaaaaaa?! Why didn't I hear about the free weekend?!
>Goes and re-downloads Overwatch on her PS4
I need me some more Ana time! xD

@Ailyn Evensen

Most of my classmates are Overwatch fanatics (yes because they simply can't shut up about it lol) so that's how I know about it. I can add you to my friend list if you want, though I'll stop playing the game once the free period is over (and just wait for the next free trial to play again, haha).

Been playing on Widowmaker and Tracer so much that I'm probably not going to bother trying out the other characters (well I did try all, but I'm most comfortable with these two). The character lines the two of them would say to each other (like, when both characters are present in the same party) are pretty amusing. Their love-hate relationship is so strong, heh.

<Insert Name; Will Edit Once Not Busy> {Hang-out Thread}

@Shoryu Magami
I'm up for either Discord or Skype for your project discussion. Up to you, really.

As for the Character Sheets part, I do try to work with a wide variety of character types - partly because I enjoy resuming different roles and the feeling of growing with them as they develop in the RP, the other would obviously be expanding my horizon and improve character creation and characterization skills. Unlike creating a story on my own where I'd start with the main character then to the other shenanigans such as setting and plot stuff, for RPs the players are supposed to work their characters around the setting established by the GM. Learning how to be flexible with the kind of characters I can create and play helps me to improve as a better RPer, yeah.

Anyway, there's a free trial session for Overwatch this whole weekend (Friday-Sunday PST, which is Sat-Mon in my timezone) - most of my schoolmates are playing, and they bugged me to join them for party matches, so I've been busy. (Also, it's when I just recovered from a terrible flu, yo. XD)

Sum up your week in roleplaying in just 3 words

Sick = brain fried.

<Insert Name; Will Edit Once Not Busy> {Hang-out Thread}

As per my latest status update, my flu is getting worse.

...RIP me.

The Palace of Pimpitude (A Hangout Thread)

@Mr Allen J Yo. I heard that this trash is being revived for a new round of stupidity. Congrats!