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Tales Of Aludra

PostPosted: Wed May 16, 2007 11:35 am


CONCEPT HELP!


This thread is intended to help you with your concept! Character expectations, the application, personality tips and job progression examples can be found herein. Be sure to read over everything carefully; doing so will definitely help you out.


INDEX
Character Expectations | Concept Form | Helpful Hints | Resources | Personality Resources | Job Class Ideas
PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 1:30 pm


CHARACTER EXPECTATIONS

At Tales of Aludra we are seeking richly-developed characters that capture our imagination from top to bottom. We are looking for dedicated and mature players who are creative, talented and enthusiastic writers. In particular there are some items that are especially important, that the mods pay attention to when going over your character.

    01. Interesting History - People who have lived interesting lives are interesting to read about! We encourage characters to have lived dramatic, epic lives. At the same time, we discourage people from falling back on easy tools such as deaths and abuse unless it have been carefully thought out and crafted so that it is essential to the character's development. A well-written death can be very interesting and exciting, while a senseless one will leave us scratching our heads.

    02. Dynamic Personality - A strong personality carefully combines both character strengths and failings. While we like to know the good, we also want to know the bad. We love characters that have some growing to do - and not just by becoming less shy. On that note, the Asterion League is rolling with the big kids and they're far more likely to hire on adventurers who are outgoing and capable of supporting themselves than the shy girl who looks like she might wilt under the stress of the battle field.

    If you're having a hard time finding a serious flaw for your character, consider this: Does your character have some sort of defense mechanism? What is it? When does it show up? Do they have an annoying habit? What makes them lose their cool? (Because, hey, we all like to see a character lose their cool!)

    03. Sturdy Class Concept - While having an original class for your character can be good, it’s definitely not the most important aspect of the job. We’re looking for characters whose classes are well thought out, with cohesive skills and interesting details that go with the job’s theme. This means that sometimes, a regular old Black Mage is better than a Fire Scout or Sword Warlock. Also important is being able to easily classify your character into one division. It’s okay if they could possibly fit into more than one, but you need to be able to confidently state their primary area of focus. The more spread out your character’s stats and skills are, the less cohesive their class; it’s okay to have a well-rounded character, but they should also be easily identifiable by their division.

    04. Works With Setting - We love it when people build onto our world, but only when it works with the setting. If you want to do something that is in direct opposition to what we've established, expect to have some explaining to do. A Muscheron can love being in the bustling city, but this is not typical of a Muscheron and as such an explanation of why the character feels this way would be in order. Characters do not need to be cookie cutters of the racial cultures we've presented, but they should also not seem like the only thing in common they have with the rest of their race is their appearance.

    05. Writing - There is a certain level of meta-review that goes on when the mods look over your concept. We aren’t just checking your content but also your spelling, grammar and prose. Since Tales of Aludra is a writing-heavy and roleplay-focused shop, a firm grasp of English is essential. We certainly won’t penalize a person who has only made a few spelling and grammar mistakes, but we will have to ask for revisions if there are too many errors. When it comes to prose, we don't like it purple. There's no shame in a clear, simple sentence. We aren't impressed by five dollar words or high word counts, we're impressed by strong concepts.

    As with any application, your concept should be carefully proofread before it is submitted for final review. Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar checkers are not passable examples of proofreading tools, as they often insert more mistakes into your writing than they take out. Try getting a friend to read your concept over, or asking someone in an online writing community to proof read!

    Finally, before we can give a concept a full review, every part of it needs to be written in narrative form. Lists are great for developing a character, but the final product needs to be cleaned up.

    06. Cooperation - If you treat us well, we'll treat you well. Applicants who cooperate and try to work with us rather than taking feedback as a personal attack win serious brownie points. While we certainly aren't against occasional disagreements, arguing too much makes us worry that this behaviour is what we should expect if a character is accepted into play and we as mods understandably don't want to deal with someone who argues with us every time we have to lay down the law.

Tales Of Aludra


Tales Of Aludra

PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 1:31 pm


CONCEPT FORM


Please fill out the following form when presenting your concept. Feel free to add to this form as you feel necessary, but please don't remove anything as this is the bare minimum information we need to be able to accept a concept!

If you are unsure how to fill this form out, check out the stickied profiles in the Journals subforum.

If you have a question about something specific, just ask in the FAQ thread!

Approval Form
NAME What is your character's name? Each race has its own naming practices so please try to follow that!
GENDER Pick one! ;D
AGE How old is your character? Muscheron, Duszek, Ejderha, and Pennier should include physical and chronological. Formulas for calculating this is located in their racial write-ups.
RACE Choose from one of the six available.
HOMETOWN Where was your character born? If it's somewhere you created yourself, please include a brief write-up that we can include in our Locations section.
OCCUPATION This is probably just guild member/adventurer, but you can mention what you used to do prior to joining the guild.

APPEARANCE
What does your character look like? Be sure to include the racial traits defined - that said, if a trait is not explicitly stated then it is like regular Earth humans. This section is important for our character artist to properly draw your character. Links to reference pictures are extremely helpful, such as real people for facial structure purposes and outfits for costume design purposes. Please note that our character artist can't simply draw your character as Edward Elric with blue hair and purple clothing, but you can reference other people's artwork and say things such as "I like this top/necklace/etc" and our artist will modify it to work with the design. Colors, styles, and builds are essential information.

PERSONALITY
This is the section where you tell us how your character thinks and behaves. Things to consider is how they behave around people in general, close friends, and on their own. Are they an introvert, extrovert, social, anti-social, etc. Don't be afraid to play a character who might not get along with everyone! Try to balance their good points with flaws. Aim for at least three meaty paragraphs.

HISTORY
This is the section where you tell us what your character went through to get to where they are now! This section need not be monumentally long, but we definitely need to know how they ended up taking an adventurer's lifestyle and why they chose to audition for the Asterion League.

COMMON KNOWLEDGE
To avoid players using OOC information ICly, this is where you should list out the sort of thing that guild members would likely find out about your character through word of mouth. In your character's early days within the League, this could be as simple as where they hail from. This section will likely grow as the character spends more time in the guild and gets to know people better.

DIVISION Melee Weaponry, Ranged Weaponry, Offensive Magic or Supportive Magic - if they're mixed, state which division leader (choose one) they will be placed under.
CLASS PROGRESSION Job #1 > Job #2 > Job #3

Please detail what each job/stage for your character entails: how they fight, what they will be wearing, etc. (As with above, reference images are very helpful.)

Also include a proposal of point distributions at each stage. Melee, Ranged, and Magic/Other are left for you to customize to your class as you see fit. HP and Evade are structured by which of the three disciplines you feel you best fit under.

SPECIAL SKILLS
Your character may gain one special battle skill per level. A special battle skill is one that effects the battle system numbers. See the official battle skills list. Players may not create their own skills except in extreme circumstances where there is absolutely no standardized skill that can be applied to an essential job class skill. Ask for mod assistence with creating formulas.

Characters may also have as many non-battle/narrative skills (ones that do not effect battle system numbers / are narrative only effects, such as lock picking) as they would like / makes sense for their class.

Each race has its own inherent racial traits which should be taken into account. 3nodding

WEAPON What do you carry around to fight with? This could just be a book if they're a mage. Or nothing. You don't have to have a weapon.
LEVEL One
POINT ASSIGNMENT Melee (), Ranged (), Magic/Other () - These next three should just be dumping the numbers you allotted at level one into the form for our quick reference.
HIT POINTS Based on division.
EVADE Also based on division.
OTHER NOTES Use this section to justify any modifications you've taken on HP and Evade. Or to talk about whatever!
PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 1:33 pm


HELPFUL HINTS


01. Think outside the box. Just because a certain job class is always done a certain way in RPGs, doesn't mean you have to here. See the staff journals and examples for ideas of how to use the system to its fullest.

02. You can never elaborate on something too much.

03. Magic can come from many sources - books, divinity, within, nature, etc. There is no set source that spans Aludra and magic sources often vary wildly by region. A black mage does not have to use spells from a book, he could be a more 'natural' black mage and draw from the elements in the air, water, etc.

04. Getting your job class details settled are important, but far more important is creating a richly developed character that captures our imagination.

05. Don't be afraid to distribute your points across the various bonus areas, rather than putting them all into one one area. The object of the game isn't necessarily to have the best warrior out there! Spice it up!

06. Don't use phrases such as 'like in Final Fantasy/WoW/Ragnarok Online/Naruto/etc'. Many people are not familiar with these so referencing them won't mean anything to them. That said, do feel free to link to pictures from these games as clothing references, etc.

07. Visual references are A+++. Our character artist can draw based on written descriptions, but the more visuals you can provide, the easier it is for our artist.

Tales Of Aludra


Tales Of Aludra

PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 1:35 pm


RESOURCES


GENERALNAMING
    http://www.gaminggeeks.org/Resources/KateMonk/ - Ejderha names are Turkish influenced, Duszek are Polish/Yiddish influenced, Pennier are French influenced, and Lamia are Greek influenced. Kioni Village is Vietnamese influenced. The Medieval sections are especially nice!
    http://www.behindthename.com/
    http://nine.frenchboys.net/randgirl.php - French female name generator for Pennier.
    http://nine.frenchboys.net/randboy.php - French male name generator for Pennier.
    http://lowchensaustralia.com/names.htm - Lots of great name lists. (Thanks Julivey!)
    http://www.avotaynu.com/books/dagnlist.htm - Great list for Ejderha & possibly Duszek names. (Thanks Julivey!)
COSTUMINGJOB CLASSES
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category biggrin ungeons_&_Dragons_character_classes
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_character_classes
    http://www.kuponut.com/games/fft/job_classes.html
    http://www.unlimitedgamer.net/coverage/ffta/ffta_job.php
    http://www.unlimitedgamer.net/coverage/ff10-2/ff10-2_dress.php (It should be noted that while guns exist in areas of Aludra, they're flintlock only. The Gun Mage guns are a definite no-no.)
    http://iro.ragnarokonline.com/game/jobswordman.asp
PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 2:04 pm


PERSONALITY RESOURCES


Creating a personality can be hard, so here are some helpful resources that might be able to give you some direction.

You can try The Character Personality Generator which is a fun way to randomize some traits and quirks.

Or you can look at this huge list of traits we have here. Try picking about 5 and then weaving them together into a whole personality. There's a huge mix of flaws and strengths here.
    Absent-minded
    Abrasive
    Abusive
    Accident-prone
    Accommodating
    Accomplished
    Adaptable
    Adventurous
    Affectionate
    Agnostic
    Agreeable
    Aggressive
    Alone
    Aloof
    Ambitious
    Amusing
    Angry
    Annoying
    Antisocial
    Anxious
    Apathetic
    Apologetic
    Appreciative
    Apprehensive
    Approachable
    Argumentative
    Aristocratic
    Arrogant
    Articulate
    Artistic
    Assertive
    Audacious
    Authoritative
    Belligerent
    Bewildered
    Bewitching
    Boisterous
    Bold
    Bored
    Bossy
    Brave
    Brazen
    Bright
    Calculating
    Callous
    Carefree
    Careful
    Charismatic
    Charming
    Chaste
    Cheerful
    Classy
    Clumsy
    Cocky
    Compassionate
    Compliant
    Composed
    Compulsive
    Conceited
    Condescending
    Confused
    Congenial
    Confident
    Conscientious
    Conservative
    Considerate
    Consistent
    Conventional
    Content
    Contrite
    Controlling
    Cooperative
    Courageous
    Cowardly
    Crafty
    Cranky
    Creative
    Critical
    Crude
    Cruel
    Cultured
    Cunning
    Curious
    Cynical
    Daffy
    Dainty
    Daring
    Dark
    Debonair
    Deceitful
    Decent
    Delicate
    Defiant
    Demanding
    Despicable
    Detached
    Determined
    Dignified
    Direct
    Disciplined
    Disgusting
    Dishonest
    Disorganized
    Distant
    Distraught
    Dogmatic
    Domineering
    Dowdy
    Downtrodden
    Dramatic
    Dull
    Dumb
    Easy-going
    Educated
    Eccentric
    Egocentric
    Egotistic
    Elusive
    Embittered
    Emotional
    Empathetic
    Energetic
    Enigmatic
    Enthusiastic
    Excessive
    Excitable
    Exotic
    Expert
    Extravagant
    Exuberant
    Faithful
    Fanatical
    Fatalistic
    Fearless
    Feisty
    Finicky
    Flamboyant
    Flexible
    Flippant
    Flirtatious
    Flustered
    Focused
    Forgiving
    Fragile
    Frank
    Friendly
    Frigid
    Frugal
    Frustrated
    Fun-loving
    Funny
    Gaudy
    Gentle
    Glamorous
    Gloomy
    Good-natured
    Graceful
    Gracious
    Grandiose
    Gregarious
    Greedy
    Grotesque
    Grumpy
    Haggard
    Hard-working
    Hateful
    Heartbroken
    Hesitant
    Holy
    Honest
    Honorable
    Hopeful
    Hospitable
    Humble
    Humorous
    Hypocritical
    Hysterical
    Idiosyncratic
    Ignorant
    Imaginative
    Immature
    Immodest
    Impatient
    Impeccable
    Impudent
    Impulsive
    Incoherent
    Incompetent
    Inconsiderate
    Indecisive
    Indifferent
    Indiscreet
    Inept
    Infantile
    Informed
    Inhibited
    Inhumane
    Innocent
    Insecure
    Insensitive
    Insouciant
    Insulting
    Intelligent
    Intimidating
    Intolerant
    Introspective
    Introverted
    Inquisitive
    Insightful
    Intellectual
    Intelligent
    Intuitive
    Inventive
    Irresponsible
    Irreverent
    Irritable
    Jealous
    Judgmental
    Keen
    Kind
    Knowledgeable
    Lascivious
    Lazy
    Leader
    Lethargic
    Lewd
    Liberal
    Light-hearted
    Logical
    Lonely
    Loving
    Macho
    Maniacal
    Manipulative
    Masochistic
    Materialistic
    Mature
    Mean
    Melodramatic
    Merciful
    Messy
    Meticulous
    Mischievous
    Miserly
    Modest
    Moody
    Naive
    Nasty
    Neurotic
    Noble
    Noisy
    Nonchalant
    Non-committing
    Nostalgic
    Obedient
    Obnoxious
    Obscene
    Observant
    Obsessive
    Open-minded
    Opinionated
    Opportunistic
    Optimistic
    Organized
    Ornery
    Outgoing
    Outspoken
    Overbearing
    Paranoid
    Passionate
    Passive
    Patient
    Perceptive
    Persistent
    Persuasive
    Pert
    Perverted
    Pessimistic
    Petty
    Philanthropic
    Pious
    Plain
    Polite
    Pompous
    Poor
    Practical
    Presumptuous
    Pretentious
    Prim
    Private
    Profane
    Promiscuous
    Prosaic
    Proud
    Psychopathic
    Psychotic
    Pushy
    Quiet
    Quirky
    Rational
    Rebellious
    Reclusive
    Reliable
    Religious
    Remorseful
    Remote
    Resentful
    Reserved
    Resilient
    Respectful
    Rich
    Righteous
    Romantic
    Rowdy
    Rude
    Ruthless
    Sad
    Sadistic
    Saintly
    Sarcastic
    Sassy
    Savvy
    Self-absorbed
    Self-conscious
    Self-effacing
    Self-righteous
    Selfish
    Selfless
    Senile
    Sensitive
    Sensual
    Sentimental
    Serene
    Serious
    Shallow
    Sheepish
    Shy
    Silent
    Silly
    Simple
    Sincere
    Sleazy
    Sloppy
    Sluggish
    Smart
    Sneaky
    Snobby
    Soft-spoken
    Spiritual
    Spiteful
    Squeamish
    Stern
    Stingy
    Stoical
    Straight-laced
    Strict
    Stubborn
    Submissive
    Subtle
    Supportive
    Surly
    Suspicious
    Sweet
    Sympathetic
    Tactful
    Tall
    Talkative
    Telepathic
    Temperamental
    Tense
    Tentative
    Thoughtful
    Thrifty
    Timid
    Tireless
    Tolerant
    Tough
    Traitorous
    Trivial
    Trusting
    Tyrannical
    Unapproachable
    Unassuming
    Unclean
    Uncommunicative
    Unconventional
    Uneasy
    Uninhibited
    Unmotivated
    Unreasonable
    Unscrupulous
    Vain
    Vengeful
    Verbose
    Vindictive
    Virtuous
    Vivacious
    Vulgar
    Vulnerable
    Well-groomed
    Wholesome
    Wicked
    Withdrawn
    Worldly
    Zany
    Zealous

Tales Of Aludra


Tales Of Aludra

PostPosted: Wed Jul 04, 2007 2:07 pm


JOB CLASS IDEAS


Here are some basic concepts of progression that people could go with, courtesy of Geishaberry. Obviously these are just suggestions, and you are free to borrow, ignore or modify these as you see fit for your character.
Geishaberry
Squire > Knight > Paladin
Melee

Squire > Knight > Shadow Knight
Melee

Swashbuckler > Fencer > Duellist
Melee

Foot Soldier > Uruwashii > Samurai
Melee Mixed

Fighter > Barbarian > Berserker
Melee

Fighter > Armor > Guardian
Melee

Disciple > Monk > Grand Master
Melee Mixed

Mercenary > Gladiator > Champion
Melee

Mercenary > Body Guard > Legionnaire
Melee

Knave > Thief > Rogue
Melee Mixed

Assassin > Ninja > Shinobi
Melee Mixed

Scout > Hunter > Ranger
Ranged Mixed

Archer > Sniper > Sagittarius
Ranged

Archer > Crossbowman > Arbalester
Ranged

Apothecary > Chemist > Alchemist
Other-Magic

Performer > Singer > Bard
Other-Magic

Performer > Dancer > Gypsy
Other-Magic

Elementalist > Geomancer > Druid
Other-Magic Mixed

Conjurer > Illusionist > Summoner
Magic

White Mage > Priest > Devout
Magic

Black Mage > Warlock > Magus
Magic

Student > Scholar > Sage
Other-Magic

Merchant > Blacksmith > Master Smith
Other-Magic

Mute > Mimic > Mime
Other-Magic
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